With a new imaging engine developed within the L2 Technology partnership formed by LEICA and LUMIX, and a new 24-megapixel sensor, the LUMIX S5II is the first LUMIX camera to offer Hybrid Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF). The camera uses a new Phase Hybrid AF system combining PDAF with Contrast Detect AF. Fast and dependable and providing 779-area metering, the new system is able to detect target subjects in difficult conditions such as low light and backlighting and, once locked on, will remain tracking them even with other moving objects in the frame.

The new engine gives the LUMIX S5II video recording capabilities including internal 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) and 5.9K (16:9) at 30fps and 4:2:2 C4K and 4K at up to 60fps, while a new low-profile heat management system allows for unlimited recording times without increasing the size of the camera body. The camera also supports HFR (High Frame Rate) recording at up to 120fps and Slow & Quick capture at up to 180fps. A range of picture profiles including 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut are available on both models, as well as a new REAL TIME LUT function enabling colour grading LUTs to be uploaded to an SD card and directly applied in-camera rather than in post-production. In response to requests from professional users, functions such as Waveform Monitor, Vector Scope and Zebra Pattern have been added, as well as features such as System Frequency (24.00Hz) and Synchro Scan. Clear and realistic 48kHz/24-bit audio can be recorded by the built-in or an external microphone, while high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit recording is possible with external and XLR microphones.

Thanks to a host of new and improved features, the LUMIX S5II is able to deliver truly astounding photo and video performance, including high-speed burst shooting at up to 9fps with mechanical shutter and 30fps with electronic shutter (capable of capturing up to 300 images), a 96-megapixel High Resolution Mode (JPEG/RAW) and Dual Native ISO sensitivity, which minimises noise and allows a maximum ISO of 51200 (204800 when Extended). The LUMIX S5II also boasts an upgraded image stabilisation system to greatly enhance handheld shooting in a wide range of conditions and situations. The new Active I.S. provides highly stable video recording by optimising horizontal, vertical and rotational correction. Compensating as much as 200% compared to conventional stabilisation, Active I.S. is especially effective in traditionally challenging conditions for handheld shooting, such as using telephoto lenses or filming while walking.

The LUMIX S5II offers a highly refined shooting experience, allowing creators to achieve excellent results with minimal workflow thanks to features such as AWB Lock, MF Assist (available for both video and photo shooting) and a new Live Crop function, which records video footage using the entire sensor surface enabling the user to crop 4K and FHD images out afterwards. Usability is further enhanced with the new easy-to-operate 8-way joystick, expanded drive dial, 3.0-inch free-angle touch-control monitor and large, 3,680K-dot OLED Live View Finder.

This camera is built to robust standards for in-field use, with magnesium alloy die-cast front and rear frames and a splash- and dust-resistant construction. Connectivity has been improved over the LUMIX S5, with the LUMIX S5II featuring a full-size HDMI Type A terminal and high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2, plus a cable lock holder to prevent unwanted unplugging. Wireless connectivity has been improved too, with Wi-Fi 5GHz2 joining 2.4GHz to provide fast, stable communication with smartphones and tablets. Dual card slots (both UHS-II) support Relay Recording, Backup Recording and Allocation Recording and the 2200mAh high-capacity battery can be recharged via AC or USB.