LUMIX GH5 II — Full Specs, Details, Comparison!

LUMIX GH5 II — Full Specs, Details, Comparison!

Photo Moment - May 25, 2021

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 Mk II (GH5-II, or GH5 II, or GH5m2 if you prefer!) complete details have just been announced… and I've got the juice for you!

[Pre] order here!

Feature Comparison

Panasonic Encourages Videographers to Create and Achieve More with the GH5M2, the Ultimate Hybrid Mirrorless Camera Evolved from the GH5

The LUMIX GH5M2 features 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit video recording and wireless live streaming capability

May 25, 2021

Newark, NJ - Designed with video creators in mind, Panasonic is proud to introduce its newest digital mirrorless camera, the LUMIX GH5M2, featuring outstanding video performance for all film creators. The next high-performance product in the evolution of the GH5, the LUMIX GH5M2 achieves C4K*1/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit*2 video recording and simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording. With the pre-installed V-Log L, it is easy to match the color tone with the footage recorded in V-Log of S1H/S1 and V-Log L of GH5/GH5S.

The 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with Anti-Reflective (A.R.) coating clearly captures details and drives the maximum performance of the lens. The image processor is also updated from that of the GH5 by adopting the latest Venus Engine that boasts high speed and performance.

*1 Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).

*2 On condition that the camera is under the environment where the operation is guaranteed and is running on the battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the SD Memory Card. Recording may stop in C4K/4K 60p 10-bit and Anamorphic mode automatically to protect the camera.

Building on the exceptional performance and legacy of the GH5, the GH5M2 puts more creative power in the hands of filmmakers and videographers, equipping them with high quality video, high basic performance to meet various production sites, wire-optional live streaming, the high LUMIX standard of reliability and wide expandability.

1. Incredibly high video quality such that it can be used unedited as well as processed with advanced editing

The LUMIX GH5M2 is capable of unlimited video recording in various settings, reflective of the LUMIX GH Series’ notoriously outstanding video performance for professional videography. In addition, the GH5M2 can record C4K*1/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit*2, as well as produce simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording. Because it realizes a crop factor of 1.0x in 4K 60p by using the whole area of the sensor, the user can record video in the original viewing angle of the lens.

A V-Log L is pre-installed in the camera to deliver a high dynamic range and broad colors, eliminating the need to purchase a Software Upgrade Key separately. V-Log L renders a very flat image while maintaining the entire range of color information within the image, resulting in a greater level of play when the images are put through post-production processes. V-Log L has log curve characteristics similar to negative film. Users can download 35 conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras for free for use in the LUMIX GH5M2. Color tone is easily matched with the footage recorded in V-Log of S1H/S1 and V-Log L of GH5/GH5S. Practical tools like a Waveform Monitor and V-Log L View Assist are also available.

Following the S1H, the video flagship camera of the S Series, the LUMIX GH5M2 provides two types of Cinelike gamma presets in the Photo Style. With these modes, impressive looks with warm skin tones or delicate nuances of light and shadow can be reproduced even without color grading over V-Log footage. The Cinelike D2 gives priority to dynamic range and the Cinelike V2 prioritizes contrast. MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo have also been added. All these modes can be used for Anamorphic video recording.

For Variable Frame Rate (VFR) recording, C4K/4K 60fps, Anamorphic 50fps and FHD180fps are available. AF can be set before starting VFR recording.

*1 Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).

2. High basic performance to meet various production sites

The 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor captures all the details delivered through the attached lens. Further, an AR coating on the sensor minimizes ghosts and flaring even in backlighting. Updated with the latest Venus Engine, the GH5M2 enables high-load 4K60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording and simultaneous 4:2:2 HDMI output.

The LUMIX GH5M2 features high-speed and high-precision AF, as well as incorporates an advanced deep learning technology that detects specific subjects such as humans and animals. When a human is the subject, in addition to detecting the eye, face, and body, the head is also separately recognized by real-time detection technology, which results in even more precise focusing. It detects eyes and face at a 2x faster recognition cycle speed than the GH5 and are detectable even if they appear in approximately half the size of those the GH5 can capture. The camera keeps tracking the subject person even if he/she moves quickly, turns his/her back to the camera, tilts his/her head or moves far away from the camera. In addition, improvements to the DFD technology has enhanced AFC, which also enables users to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects to capture them in crisp focus when the shutter is released.

The GH5M2 Body Image Stabilizer (I.S.) is further advanced to achieve stable handheld shooting and making it possible to use a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed*. Adopting the latest algorithm developed for the S1H, the GH5M2 produces smooth, stabilized video even while in motion or in panning. Notably, movement with a characteristically low frequency is suppressed more effectively to use slower shutter speed. Simulating actual usage conditions, this advancement can be felt in practical use.

For convenient, accurate viewing and shooting, the GH5M2 features a 3.0-inch free-angle LCD in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution and touch control. It features higher luminosity than that of the GH5 and superior color reproduction to assure high visibility in outdoors. Composition during recording in various popular aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16 can be checked with the Frame Marker function. The REC Frame Indicator identifies whether the camera is recording or not.

*Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm camera equivalent f=120mm) when H-ES12060 is used.

3. Wired/wireless unlimited live streaming supported by USB PD capability for both indoor and outdoor use*1

In addition to wired live streaming, the LUMIX GH5M2 is capable of wireless live streaming using the LUMIX Sync application for smartphones. High quality live streaming is possible with minimum equipment– only the camera and a smartphone are required and can perform in either an outdoor or indoor environment. Complying with H.264 in RTMP/RTMPS protocol, maximum FHD/60p 16Mbps*4 is supported. For wired live streaming, Panasonic’s dedicated software program, LUMIX Webcam Software, is available to download. A forthcoming firmware update will also allow the GH5M2 to support wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP).

*1 Live streaming to the platforms that comply with RTMP/RTMPS is basically possible (Compatibility with all the platforms is not guaranteed.) There may be the cases where the live streaming is not possible when the service of the platform changes. For more information, please refer to the terms and conditions of the platform.

4. Reliability as a tool for professionals

Built to withstand heavy field use, the LUMIX GH5M2 is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is not only splash resistant*1 and dust resistant, but also freeze resistant down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The shutter unit is also durable for approx. 200,000 cycles.

For outdoor use case, the new battery boasts 2200mAh high capacity. The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB according to the users’ convenience. It also complies with USB PD (Power Delivery).

The LUMIX GH5 is equipped with a double SD Memory Card slot compatible with high-speed, high capacity UHS-II for Relay Recording, Backup Recording or Allocation Recording.

*1 Splash resistant is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water.

5. Wide expandability inherited from the GH5

･Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) / 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n)

The LUMIX GH5M2 integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet installed with Panasonic's dedicated application software, LUMIX Sync for iOS / Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. Furthermore, the settings of a LUMIX GH5M2 camera can also be copied and applied to other GH5M2 cameras when using multiple GH5M2 cameras either by using the LUMIX Sync wirelessly or by using the SD card.

For the Wi-Fi, 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) is effective in addition to the conventional 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n. This provides even, secure and stable connection not only with a smartphone/tablet but also with other devices on location for smooth remote control. Transmission speed of photo/video data is also increased up by using the 5GHz-band*.

*5GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.

･XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 (Common to the GH5)

The Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 is a plug-in type adaptor for an XLR microphone to record high-quality stereo sound. It enables 4K video recording with high res 96kHz/24bit sound*. It is ideal for lip-sync recording. Dedicated switches allow direct, quick control. MIC, LINE and Condenser are switchable.

*In MOV only.

･Shutter Remote Control (Common to the GH5)

The Shutter Remote Control DMW-RS2 minimizes unwanted motion makes it easy to shoot bursts or hold the shutter open for extended periods of time. A Start/Stop button is also provided for videography.

･Battery Grip DMW-BGGH5 (Common to the GH5)

The LUMIX GH5M2 is compatible with the Battery Grip DMW-BGGH5. By using two batteries, one in the camera and the other in the grip, the DMW-BGGH5 extends the battery life for longer shooting time. It also makes handling more comfortable even in vertical angle shooting. It also provides intuitive operation with a joystick. It perfectly matches the camera, boasting a rugged, splash-resistant, dust-resistant and freeze-resistant design.

･Tripod Grip DMW-SHGR1 (Common to the GH5)

A Tripod Grip DMW-SHGR1 can also be used for LUMIX GH5M2, making it easier to hold the camera when shooting self-shot video while walking, etc. It also works as a compact tripod for table shot. Connecting with the camera via USB, it is possible to start/stop video recording, release the shutter and enable/disable Sleep mode.

･PC Software “LUMIX Tether” (Common to the GH5)

With this software, users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets users view the image on a large PC screen while shooting, which is helpful in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products and more, where continuous confirmation is required. Users can use [6K PHOTO*] [4K PHOTO] and start and stop video recording with the tethered shooting. It is also possible to choose the folder to save the image files in the PC.

*6K PHOTO’ is a high-speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of a 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with approx.18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages.

6. Future firmware update

Firmware Update for GH5M2

The LUMIX GH5M2 further evolves with future firmware update scheduled by the end of 2021. The new firmware program includes following items.

Live View Composite
USB Tethering(4G/5G Smartphone Link) Compatible Streaming Distribution

More stable connection with smartphone will be available

RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming

By connecting the camera to the PC via wired LAN*, High quality image with sound can be stably streamed to the social streaming platform.

*A USB-Ethernet adapter is required.

Firmware update for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses

To use the LUMIX G/ LEICA DG lenses with the GH5M2 more conveniently, firmware programs for the lenses will be provided. With the firmware update to the LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses, users can choose linear or non-linear setting over the focus ring when they are used with LUMIX GH5M2

Non-Linear: Focus is shifted with variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring.

Linear: Focus is shifted with designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring. Sensitivity (amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degree by 30-degree to enable intended focus operation.

Compatible lenses: H-E08018, H-X1025, H-ES12060, H-ES50200, H-RS100400, H-XA025, H-ES200, H-HSA12035, H-FS12060, H-HSA35100, H-FSA45200 and H-FSA100300

The firmware programs will be available at the LUMIX Global Customer Support site https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/inde… on June 8, 2021

Most of the accessories for GH5, such as the XLR Microphone Adaptor, the Shutter Remote Control and the Battery Grip, can also be used with the GH5M2.

• Android and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.

• iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

• Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

• The LEICA DG lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards

• Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®

• The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

• Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The LUMIX GH5M2 will be available at valued channel partners for $1699.99 (body only) and $2299.99 (H-ES12060 lens kit). If you pre-order a GH5M2 from May 25th, 2021 to July 5th, 2021 Lumix Pro Services is offering a one-year free Platinum membership for all GH5M2 ($199 value). For more information on the pre-order promotion, visit: geni.us/GH5II [PhotoJoseph.com affiliate link]

Major Internal Recording Modes

							59.94Hz	50.00Hz	24.00Hz	HLG*	VFR
MOV	C4K	4096 x 2160	4:2:2 10-bit	ALL-Intra	H.264	400Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 10-bit	LongGOP	H.2 6 5/HEVC	200Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	Yes	-
			4:2:2 10-bit	LongGOP	H.264	150Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	150Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	100Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	-	Yes
	4K	3840 x 2160	4:2:2 10-bit	ALL-Intra	H.264	400Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 10-bit	LongGOP	H.2 6 5/HEVC	200Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	Yes	-
			4:2:2 10-bit	LongGOP	H.264	150Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	150Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	100Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	-	Yes
	6K-A	4992 x 3744	4:2:0 10-bit	LongGOP	H.2 6 5/HEVC	200Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
	4K-A	3328 x 2496	4:2:2 10-bit	ALL-Intra	H.264	400Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 10-bit	LongGOP	H.2 6 5/HEVC	200Mbps	-	50.00p	-	Yes	-
			4:2:2 10-bit	LongGOP	H.264	150Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	150Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	100Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	24.00p	-	Yes
	FHD	1920 x 1080	4:2:2 10-bit	ALL-Intra	H.264	200Mbps	59.94p 29.97p 23.98p	50.00p 25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:2 10-bit	LongGOP	H.264	100Mbps	59.94p 29.97p 23.98p	50.00p 25.00p	24.00p	Yes	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	100Mbps	59.94p 29.97p 23.98p	50.00p 25.00p	24.00p	-	Yes
MP4	4K	3840 x 2160	4:2:0 10-bit	LongGOP	H.2 6 5/HEVC	100Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 10-bit	LongGOP	H.245/HEVC	72Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	100Mbps	29.97p 23.98p	25.00p	-	-	-
	FHD	1920 x 1080	4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	28Mbps	59.94p	50.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	20Mbps	29.97p	25.00p	-	-	-
			4:2:0 8-bit	LongGOP	H.264	24Mbps	23.98p	-	-	-	-

* “HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)” is an international standard (ITU-R BT.2100) HDR format.

•On condition that the camera is under the environment where the operation is guaranteed and is running on the battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the SD Memory Card. Recording may stop in C4K/4K 60p/50p 10-bit and Anamorphic mode automatically to protect the camera.

About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company

Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is committed to creating a better life and a better world serving consumers and also by enabling its business-to-business customers through innovations in Sustainable Energy, Immersive Entertainment, Integrated Supply Chain and Smart Mobility Solutions. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation. One of Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2020, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic’s ideas and innovations at www.na.panasonic.com.

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📄 Full Video Transcript

Click to reveal the full transcript

[00:00:00] Panasonic has just announced the Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II as well as a development announcement for the Lumix GH6.

[00:00:08] If you want to learn about the GH6, click the link up here, I’ve got a short video on it – there’s not a whole lot of info but what there is we’ve got, but this video is about the GH5 II.

[00:00:17] We’ll talk about what’s new, what’s different and how it compares to the original GH5.

[00:00:26] In the first part of this video, I’m going to take you line by line through a comparison chart showing the differences between the Lumix GH5 Mark II and the original Lumix GH5. Then, in the second part, we’re going to get into the menu system and show off some of the features that aren’t included in the charts but are things that you’re definitely going to want to know about of the new GH5 II.

[00:00:43] Let’s get started by talking about the sensor. It is effectively the same 20.3 megapixel sensor. However, the GH5 Mark II features an anti-reflective coating on the sensor which minimizes flares in certain shooting situations.

[00:00:56] So, if you ever found yourself with the GH5 where a bright point of light like a lamp post or something like that was shining directly into the lens and causing a flare on the sensor itself, this should minimize that.

[00:01:07] The Image Stabilization has been improved from five stops to six and a half stops and V-Log L still with 12 stops of dynamic range is now included. This means there’s no more software update that you have to add to the camera separately – V-Log is included.

[00:01:21] Next, let’s get into recording formats: if you’re shooting in C4K, that’s Cinema 4K, also called DCI; that’s the resolution of 4096x2160 in a 17:9 aspect ratio. So, a little bit wider than Ultra HD or our “standard 4K” that we usually think of…

[00:01:38] you can now shoot in a higher frame rate than you could before. If you want to shoot at 4:2:2 10-bit, that’s the highest quality possible internally, then you can now shoot at 29.97 frames per second and 25 frames per second.

[00:01:50] Previously, you were limited to 24 and 23.98. You can also shoot C4K at 60p and 50p if you want to shoot in 4:2:0 10-bit mode. Previously, you couldn’t shoot in 60 or 50p in C4K at all.

[00:02:03] In standard 4K and 4:2:0 10-bit, you can also now shoot in 60p and 50p. For Anamorphic shooters out there, you can now shoot in 4K 4:2:0 10-bit at 50p.

[00:02:13] VFR or Variable Frame Rate fans are going to have something to celebrate here – you can now shoot up to 60 frames per second in C4K mode as well as up to 50 frames per second in 4K Anamorphic Mode.

[00:02:24] Next up, the GH5 has always been able to output 4:2:2 10-bit video over the HDMI port. However, if you got into the higher frame rate of 60p, you could no longer record internally while simultaneously outputting 60p over the HDMI port. That limitation has now been lifted – you can simultaneously record internally while outputting 4K or Cinema 4K, 4:2:2 10-bit video head up to 60 frames per second.

[00:02:48] Next up, there’s a couple new photo styles that are included in addition to the V-Log L that is now shipping, there’s also a classic Neo and a new Monochrome look built into the camera.

[00:02:58] Additionally you have Cinelike D2 and Cinelike V2. These are color profiles that are meant to look more cinematic without having to do any color grading and these new versions – version 2 – match what’s in the S5 and the S1H.

[00:03:10] The USB 3.1 port has seen a nice upgrade. It is now a PD port for Power Delivery. That means that you can not only charge the camera over USB, you can actually power the camera from an external battery pack.

[00:03:21] Next up is a totally new feature, the ability to live stream from the camera itself. Where would you use this? Well, imagine you’re a wedding photographer or cinematographer, and your client wants you to live stream the wedding – you can now take a Lumix GH5 Mark II and with no additional hardware live stream that event for them.

[00:03:37] You’re going to tether it to your phone and use the app on your phone to control it. With a future firmware update, you’ll be able to live stream over a wired connection from your camera and you’ll be able to turn your GH5 Mark II into an IP camera using the RTSP protocol.

[00:03:51] What this means effectively is that you can put a camera anywhere on a local network and get a very high quality stream from that camera to anywhere else on the network. Think of it like a really really long SDI cable, and that’s coming in a firmware update later in the year.

[00:04:04] Next, let’s talk about autofocus. Because of the new Venus Engine in the camera, you now have far better autofocus than you had with the GH5 bringing it up to par with the Lumix BGH1 or the S5. You’re also gaining head, body and animal recognition in addition to face and eye recognition.

[00:04:20] The Live Viewfinder or LVF is now refreshing at 120 hertz, meaning that everything you see through the Viewfinder will look even smoother than before. The LCD panel itself has the same rotation as the GH5 and it’s actually a tiny bit smaller but it is higher resolution, giving you a much better picture. It’s also easier to see in bright light.

[00:04:39] The GH5 Mark II is using the same new higher capacity battery as the S5, which I’ll remind you is also backwards compatible to the original GH batteries. So, if you have a bag full of batteries for your GH5, those same batteries will work in the GH5 Mark II. That concludes the charts that I wanted to show you, now let’s dive into the menu system.

[00:04:57] The first thing I want to jump into has to do with using adapted or manual lenses on your GH5 Mark II. If you’re using a lens that doesn’t have electronic contacts on it, then the camera has no idea what the lens is. And while that may not matter for a lot of situations, when it comes to stabilization, it matters very much.

[00:05:12] How the stabilized sensor moves will depend greatly depending on the focal length of the lens, and if you’re using an Anamorphic lens, then it matters even more; you have to program in not just the focal length, but also the distortion or squeeze ratio of your Anamorphic lens.

[00:05:26] Today I’ve got a Sirui 50mm Anamorphic lens on here with a 1.33X squeeze and I’ll be able to now, on the GH5 Mark II, dial that into the settings. So let’s have a look at that. From the Cinema Menu, if you go to the Others menu, you’ll find Image Stabilizer.

[00:05:43] From here, there’s a couple things I want to show you – under Lens Information, you can now program in individual lenses. So, here I’ve got under lens 1, the Sirui 35mm and under lens 2, the Sirui 50mm.

[00:05:54] You’ll notice up here that the actual focal length of that lens has been programmed in as well. Now, if I go up to the Anamorphic Stabilization, I can now set stabilization depending on the squeeze ratio of that lens – in this case, 1.33. That’s something that’s totally new to the GH5 Mark II.

[00:06:11] Next up is a simple feature that I absolutely love that came in first on the Lumix S1H and has been getting added to more and more of the Lumix cameras, and that is the red frame recording indicator in the camera – yes! Let me show you where that is.

[00:06:24] In the menu under the Gear menu, if you scroll to Monitor/Display Video, you’ll find the Red Record Frame Indicator and you’ll see that I already have it on.

[00:06:32] What this means is when I start recording, you’ll see a red box around the entire frame showing me that I’m recording. Another new feature is the Frame Marker Indicator. This allows you to have an outline on the screen indicating what aspect ratio you might ultimately be delivering in.

[00:06:46] So if you’re shooting for a 2.35 or square or 9x16 for social media, you can now have that frame indicator on the camera while you’re shooting.

[00:06:55] Under the Gear menu, on the second set of Monitor/Display options, under the first page of that, you’ll find the new Frame Marker. You’ll see that I currently have it set to on, but let’s take a look at the options.

[00:07:07] From here I can choose a frame aspect ratio from 2.39 through a variety of options all the way down to 9:16 vertical. I currently have it set to 2.35, because I’m actually shooting with an Anamorphic lens but the image on screen is already de-squeezed.

[00:07:20] This lens when it’s set to 1.33X and a 16 by 9 aspect ratio actually gives me a 2.35 to 1 aspect ratio. So, I’m seeing a blue box around the entire image with no part of the image being cropped out – but what if I change that?

[00:07:34] Let’s say I want to shoot with this same setup, but I want to set it for a social media push at 9 by 16. If I scroll down to that, you’ll now see how the image is cropped on the LCD showing me the entire scene but showing me exactly what part of the image would be used if I were to center crop it. Obviously, once you’re in post, you have the ability to move that around.

[00:07:53] In there I have other options such as the ability to change the color of the frame and change how much of the image is masked out behind it.

[00:08:00] Next up is vertical position information; do you want the metadata written into the file that tells your NLE whether you’re holding the camera vertically or horizontally or not?

[00:08:08] Let me show you how to turn that on. Under the Gear menu and then at the bottom under Lens/Others, at the bottom of that you’ll find Vertical Position Info (video) On or Off.

[00:08:19] If this is on and you’re shooting the camera vertically, then that metadata gets written to the file, and when you load those files into your NLE, they show up as vertical videos.

[00:08:27] If you turn it off, then they will load as horizontal. Why would you want that off? Well, what if you’re mounting the camera in an overhead type environment, straight down – is the camera vertical or horizontal?

[00:08:37] The camera might not know and it might get it wrong in which case those files would show up incorrectly in your NLE. This way, you can define whether that metadata is saved in the file or not.

[00:08:46] Now that there’s even more recording format options in the camera, this means that the list of recording formats to choose from is really big.

[00:08:53] So you now have the ability to filter through that list to help you find exactly the format you’re looking for and to save some of those as Favorites into your own custom list. Let’s have a look.

[00:09:02] Under the video, in the image format menu where you see your Record Quality list, you’ll see here that we now have six pages of options to choose from.

[00:09:10] If you want to filter these, press the display button and from here you can choose to filter by any of these options. For example, let’s say I want to see only options that allow me to shoot at 23.98, and I want to shoot at Cinema 4K.

[00:09:24] As you can see from there, we have three results, three different options that we can shoot at. I’ll hit the display button to back out of here and there’s the three options.

[00:09:32] From there, if I want to save one of these I can tap the Q button to add it to My List. Once that’s added to My List, you’ll see here that you have a Record Quality (My List) that will show you just the options that you’ve added there.

[00:09:44] Next up is the Luminance Spot Meter. This is an absolutely incredible feature. If you’re shooting Log, combining the Luminance Spot Meter with the Zebras is a total game changer. Let me show you first how to turn this on.

[00:09:56] Under the Gear menu, the first page of Monitor/Display, on the second page of that, you’ll find Luminance Spot Meter. It’s just on or off.

[00:10:04] To learn how to use this, however, I’ve done a complete separate video based off of the S5 that now has the exact same features here in the GH5 Mark II. I encourage you to watch that one for sure. I’ll link to it at the end of this video as well as down below.

[00:10:15] The last thing I want to show you on here is actually a display mode on the LCD itself. If you’re shooting with an external monitor, then the LCD on the camera is not really necessary to see what the camera sees. So now we can flip it into a mode where we see a lot more information about our shooting formats directly on the LCD.

[00:10:32] When you press the display button to cycle through the options, you’ll end up on that page there. This is taken straight from the S1H and it is awesome.

[00:10:40] If you’re using an external display or external recorder, then this is huge!

[00:10:45] Next I want to talk a little bit more about the Venus Engine. While the sensor itself is largely the same as the one that was in the GH5, the Venus Engine is much much more advanced, and this allows the camera to do many more powerful things – which is why, and I’ll point this out now for anyone who’s watching this thinking “Well, how come my GH5 can’t get all these features?” – this is why the GH5 can’t get all these features. This new engine is much more powerful allowing this camera to do all the things that we’ve just talked about that could never be done on the GH5.

[00:11:12] Now, the GH5 has had a really good long run and it’s still a great camera. However, it has hit some limits. There are certain things you just can’t do without more raw power, and the Venus Engine in this camera gives that to us. It gives us a lot more features today as well as the possibility of adding more features in the years to come just as the GH5 has had.

[00:11:29] In general, just look at it this way – the engine behind everything that the camera does is now a lot more powerful and a lot more capable.

[00:11:36] Next let’s talk a little bit about what’s coming in the future, because it wouldn’t be a Panasonic Lumix announcement without also announcing what’s coming next to the same body via firmware update.

[00:11:45] We’ve already talked about one of them – you’ll get the ability to live stream over a wired connection as well as turning your camera into an IP camera streaming camera over a local network using RTP or RTSP. You’re also going to get the ability to do live compositing. This means that if you’re doing a bulb or long exposure photo,

[00:12:00] you’ll see the photo building up over time on the back of the camera.

[00:12:05] For fans of manual focusing using the drive-by-wire lenses, there is a new Focus Ring Control that is built into the GH5 II that will require some firmware updates to the lenses that will be coming within the next few months.

[00:12:17] For example, with this 10 to 25mm lens here, you will be able to set inside of the camera how much of a focus ring rotation you have to do to focus from the closest to the farthest focusing distance.

[00:12:27] This is a really great feature, especially if you’re using any kind of focus control system with your electronic lenses.

[00:12:33] Finally let’s talk about pricing – the camera’s coming in at $1,699.99, okay $1,700 US dollars and for ordering information, I encourage you to visit my website, PhotoJoseph.com/GH52, where you can learn all about that as well as read the full press release and look at some more specs and availability options there.

[00:12:50] Thanks for watching, and of course, if you haven’t seen the GH6 video yet, be sure to click on that next.

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Comments from YouTube

Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 4:04pm

Be sure to check out the GH6 video as well! https://youtu.be/SsAAjx1QucE

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 3:29pm

I like it! The network would be your cellular network. The camera is just the camera and encoder.

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Reply from @fellowcitizen
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 9:27am

Live stream could be really useful for independent journalists in an era when corporate media and national broadcasters cannot be relied upon to not distort or censor. There's still the matter of network blocking, so a compatible mesh-network device with a long range would be useful.

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Reply from @gcprost
on Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 3:02pm

I shoot live theatre, concerts and dance shows with multiple cameras. Until recently I had two GH5s, one GH5Mk2, and one GH6. I sold my two GH5s and bought another GH5Mk2. Although there are many things I like about the Mk2 the things that made me get rid of my original GH5s are kind of unique to my work. In order to get the regular GH5s to run for an extended period of time I had to use a dummy battery and a USB battery. This means that if the cable became disconnected the recording would stop. This never happened to me but it was a nagging concern. When the GH5s powered up they would often ask to set the date and time. If I pulled a GH5 out of my bag to format the card before a show, I couldn’t until I plugged in the USB. The GH5 is a great camera but the MK2 makes my job a lot easier. Now all my cameras use the same batteries. I’m not dismissing all the other improvements of the MK2, I just really enjoy the easier set up.

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Reply from @gcprost
on Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 9:56pm

@@photojoseph I imagine there is some small battery in there but my two GH5s had dummy batteries in them virtually all the time.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 5:23pm

Glad to hear you like the camera. Strange about the battery reset. I wonder if you left a regular battery in there for a while if that would make a difference? I don’t actually know if these cameras have an internal tiny battery to keep the date and time Set.

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Reply from @raphaelnathan1218
on Sunday, January 1, 2023 - 10:24am

Hello Joseph.
I really like your tutorials. They are short and bright.

A question regarding the gh5s and/or gh5 mark2:
is it possible to determine that I set the iso on automatic as first priority, and in addition put the shutter speed or aperture on automatic and that they will only act as a "reinforcement" only after the iso has been used to the maximum extent?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, January 1, 2023 - 7:05pm

No, anything that is in auto is balanced by the camera. However you can set a maximum iso in the settings so that may help achieve what you’re looking for.

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Reply from @walkonwatertv7744
on Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 7:31pm

Are the bodies the same size? Can you use the same small rig cage as the gh5 ?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, December 4, 2022 - 3:19am

Depends on the cage, most likely. I don't know that the GH5 and GH5 II (and GH5 S for that matter) are identical but they're very very close, at least. Check with whoever made your cage. The current SmallRig cage for GH5 works with GH5, GH5 II and GH5S, but if you have an older version, that may not be the case. https://geni.us/53TwjB

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Reply from @boubnadproduction2902
on Monday, September 26, 2022 - 5:18pm

Hi. I Discover your channel wich is interesting. I don't know if you have noticed it but gh5 ii is not compatible with ronin RS 2 or RS 3. Which stabilizer would be compatible with since I really need it for my future projects.

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Reply from @sławotir
on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 - 7:44pm

I beautifully pass on your subscription greetings from Poland

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 - 12:01am

Greetings back at you in Poland!

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Reply from @iSpike
on Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 4:59pm

I own two G7 & two GH5 cameras and now just added this GH5M2 to my Panasonic lineup 🤩 plus looking forward to seeing what the GH6 brings to the table. 👍🏻 Thank you Joseph for all the Super GREAT videos you produce for all us beginners to learn from. Cheers from Western Australia 🇦🇺 😎 ✌🏻

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 5:15pm

Thank you!

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Reply from @jamesabke5851
on Friday, February 11, 2022 - 7:41pm

Such great content, thank you! Do you know if there is a way to use a lower third when you’re streaming directly from the camera?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 5:07pm

@@jamesabke5851 there’s many many options. If you want portable, look at the YoloBox. Desktop, look at ATEM. Search my channel for both.

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Reply from @jamesabke5851
on Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 4:44pm

Any third party option for lower thirds?
It’s the only thing that’s missing from offering this a pro option for my clients…

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Saturday, February 12, 2022 - 1:20am

Not from the camera directly, no

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Reply from @EmilioExploring
on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 - 9:41pm

Anyone else get sounds out of the front of the 12-60 kit lense?

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Reply from @EmilioExploring
on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 7:35pm

@@photojoseph Yeah im thinking its the IBIS. I can hear it coming out of the front of the lense.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 - 2:28pm

Sounds?

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Reply from @Ken-vl4wk
on Thursday, January 6, 2022 - 7:23am

YouTubers need to stop saying “click on the link up here” because most of the time there is nothing to click on and they look stupid.

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Reply from @cinematicfilmsstudio8675
on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 - 1:31am

Hello, where is „extrenal teleconverter” function ? In GH5 it was possibility to use ex teleconverter in movies…..why GH5m2 dosent have ?

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Reply from @ExploringWorldYouTube
on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - 10:15am

Very nice video, I thank you to share it.I'd like to know your tought. I always make documentaries in 4K, freehand and without tripods or gimbals and I always use continuous AF. Would you recommend the GH5 MKII or the Sony A7 IV more? Thank you

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - 6:37pm

@@ExploringWorldYouTube I don’t know what you mean

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Reply from @ExploringWorldYouTube
on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - 6:15pm

@@photojoseph Sorry if I insist with this argument but is i not important to have a "screw" on the edge of the variable ND filter?
I think it is important to make videos. Maybe I'm wrong? Thanks again.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - 6:00pm

@@ExploringWorldYouTube I really like these and use them a lot “Freewell Magnetic Variable ND Filter + Circular Polarizer Filter + Mist 🤯 | Best Variable ND Filter”
https://youtu.be/yCuw3eUrKgU

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Reply from @ExploringWorldYouTube
on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - 5:46pm

@@photojoseph Ok, thank for your pleasant reply. A last question please. Could you suggest a very good ND filter for Leica 12-60? Unfortunately the world of filters is complicated because you can read everything and the opposite of everything. The most important thing for me is not to lose the definition of the image or at least as little as possible. Thank you

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - 5:34pm

I’m a LUMIX Ambassador, so my answer is clear 😉

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Reply from @justalexhimself
on Saturday, December 4, 2021 - 8:43pm

guys, can anyone help: I just picked up the GH5mkii and after shooting a time-lapse, the camera does not give me an option to create a video, and when I go into playback mode to create a time-lapse video, this function is greyed out. What do I need to enable / disable to get things working??

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, December 5, 2021 - 2:56am

@@justalexhimself bizarre!

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Reply from @justalexhimself
on Sunday, December 5, 2021 - 1:30am

@@photojoseph I've searched, didn't find it. But after resetting the camera back to factory settings and setting everything up again from scratch, I've discovered that if you have the US version of the GH5mkii and you set your system settings to 24hertz cinema mode, then your timelapse video rendering in camera won't work! You need to set the camera back into NTSC. Go figure! Took me an entire day of tweaking the camera to finally resolve that issue. Posting this Incase anyone else has a similar issue.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, December 5, 2021 - 1:15am

On YouTube, search “PhotoJoseph Timelapse” and several videos of mine, both on my channel and the official lumix channel will come up. You’ll likely find the answer in there.

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Reply from @thamoigeemapao391
on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - 8:29am

Easy to understand n nice ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Reply from @WayneRosa-Australia
on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 3:26pm

Hello Joseph, How are you. I went out today and bought the Ninja V to adorne my gh5 II - however in the HDMI record output menu - the HDMI recording control is greyed out. Any Clues.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 4:59pm

@@WayneRosa-Australia 🤤 drool-worthy lens!

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Reply from @WayneRosa-Australia
on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 4:36pm

Next purchase will be 42.5 f/1.2 Nocticron in 2 weeks time.

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Reply from @WayneRosa-Australia
on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 4:35pm

@@photojoseph Thank You for your answer by the way - and the astounding amount of Lumix/Panasonic information you grace us all with.

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Reply from @WayneRosa-Australia
on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 4:33pm

@@photojoseph Thank You - Just found this on one of your other video's 5 mins ago - Did you notice I am a new member as of tonight?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Saturday, November 20, 2021 - 4:30pm

Yes — enable timecode out. Also in the same menu, I believe. Happy shooting!

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Reply from @Docfly62
on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - 9:19pm

Hey Joseph, just got the GH5 M2. Hope you will do a tutorial on using it for live streaming via a computer or just a cellphone.

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Reply from @straightxedging
on Friday, July 23, 2021 - 3:38pm

Great review! How would this camera do if getting video of sports (games / practice / live streaming)? Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

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Reply from @dwightgooden2575
on Thursday, June 24, 2021 - 10:45pm

Bless up yuhself Photo Joseph
As it is painfully obvious that those STUBBORN EGO DRIVEN LAMES at Panasonic choose not to give us reliable autofocus, why not give us internal ND????

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Reply from @Alexrocks1253
on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - 5:37am

Do you think Panasonic will allow linear focusing on all of the lenses similar to what the BMPCC4K does when any MFT lens is attached? I would like to buy some budget mft lenses but worry that they won’t be able to be linear in this new camera like they were back on my Blackmagic

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Reply from @theyachtchefs
on Saturday, June 19, 2021 - 7:09am

Have you noticed with the new GH5 update there's no 4k 60fps with auto focus or is just me? Please can anyone help?

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Reply from @Alexrocks1253
on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - 5:52pm

Would this or the S5 be better for a filmmaker since those two are at the same price?

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Reply from @Alexrocks1253
on Friday, June 18, 2021 - 3:52am

@@photojoseph so I do like a camera that is reliable and is well weather sealed, with a good selection of lenses (native and adaptable), is a good hybrid photo and video camera and has reasonable dynamic range (10+ stops)
I don’t know whether the crop in 4k60 on the S5 would be a dealbreaker, but I know that the 30 minute limit will not be. I film on a relatively low budget so any pointers will be really helpful. Thanks!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Friday, June 18, 2021 - 3:25am

Two very different cameras. Unanswerable without more info. A lot more info.

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Reply from @davidspiers6638
on Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 7:14am

Do you think it will get ProRes RAW to the Ninja V?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 7:50am

No idea

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Reply from @CorLievendag
on Thursday, June 10, 2021 - 8:25pm

Great review, thank you so much. I want to decide between the GH5ii and the S5, coming from a Sony RX10IV and PXW-X70. Do you of the G5 and GH5ii have focus transition like the GH5?

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Reply from @Began2011
on Sunday, June 6, 2021 - 11:46pm

I am definitely interested in the live streaming capabilities. If it really can do a good live stream with using an app on my phone that will be awesome. I am all in when they bring that feature to the camera i will probably buy it then.

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Reply from @artistjoh
on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 - 2:34pm

I am loving what Panasonic has done here. I was intending to buy a GH5S but now I thing I will get the GH5 II and wait for the S version of the GH6 to get the S goodies. It is clear that Panasonic intends to continue to sell the GH5 series along side the GH6, presumably as the budget option. After a couple years of having to listen to the idiot brigade making money off MFT is dead clickbait, it is nice to go back to having the idiots getting some Lumix envy.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 - 7:16pm

haha I couldn't agree more. I'm a fan of the GH5S because of dual native ISO. I shoot a lot of low light, and find it to be invaluable. Then again, the S1H has both IS and dual-native, so there's that route ;-) hehe

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Reply from @gaips
on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 - 11:10am

Great video, as always! Wish this cam was Netflix approved like the BGH1. “(Live stream) Wired connection from your camera”? Via USB-C?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 - 7:17pm

I don't recall off the top of my head what the requirements are for Netflix, but if this meets them then it's possible it'll get approved. As to your question — yeah, a USB to Ethernet adapter will be needed. No idea though if this will be a custom Panasonic product or if any generic adapter will do (obviously I hope it's the latter!)

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Reply from @lupper9866
on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 - 10:52am

Is there a possibility to stream outdoor over a cellphone with the gh5ii?

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Reply from @clarke.inverary
on Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 4:39am

yes

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Reply from @lamasteve6905
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 4:52am

Panasonic a well placed camera company ! The rest of the camera companies don't have money for the future !

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 9:19pm

😊

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Reply from @lamasteve6905
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 6:05pm

@@photojoseph Panasonic is proud of their numbers !

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 5:56pm

Oh?

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Reply from @GaleriaPuntoCiego
on Saturday, May 29, 2021 - 3:29pm

GREAT VIDEO...! USEFUL INFORMATION AND MANY TIPS TO ACCESS TO THE REAL UTILITY OF THIS EXCELLENT CAMERA. BEST REGARDS FROM SPAIN. NANO.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Saturday, May 29, 2021 - 8:23pm

Gracias!

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Reply from @riparianstudios
on Saturday, May 29, 2021 - 1:11am

Is nobody else noticing that the only playback options here on this video are HDR...?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 5:56pm

Are you on Big Sur? If not then Safari is rubbish for YouTube. Won’t even play 4K.

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Reply from @riparianstudios
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 5:01am

@@photojoseph Thanks. It's very odd-- it displayed the hdr version in Chrome on my 2020 iMac, but the SDR version in Safari.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Sunday, May 30, 2021 - 11:59pm

YouTube doesn’t let you switch HDR to SDR — it’s supposed to deliver the right one automatically. It however gets it wrong on some devices. If the video looks like crap (or you just want to see the SDR version), click the (i) in the tip right corner. I always include a link to an unlisted SDR version.

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Reply from @mannypvd2296
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 8:14pm

what are the High Frame Rate modes? does it have 4k 120 VFR?

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Reply from @mannypvd2296
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 10:43pm

@@photojoseph thank you for reply. That's unfortunate... I have G9 and S1... ill have to get the GH6 in that case

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 8:33pm

no, that was just announced for the GH6. I showed on the slides here all the VFR options. Scrub to 2:13 and pause to read the chart.

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Reply from @denialvanish
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 6:40pm

Well put together, cheers! One question: You have a 1.33x anamorphic adapter on the GH5ii. Can you de-squeeze on the camera's LCD for 1.33x? (The GH5 can't). And can you output open-gate ("6k") to an external monitor while recording? (The GH5 can't). OK, that was 2 questions...

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Reply from @denialvanish
on Friday, May 28, 2021 - 9:29pm

@@photojoseph If this also works on the GH5 (internal 6k recording, external 4k monitoring) it'd be great to know how. So far I'm stumped with my GH5 and a Feelworld F6 (which can display 4k). It displays fine before shooting, but as soon as I hit record the Feelword goes black. But the GH5II is OK in this mode? If so, it's a worthy update in itself.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Friday, May 28, 2021 - 2:32am

RAW is a totally different animal. It's RAW data, not video, so the resolution is largely irrelevant. If it's just about monitoring, then you can record internal 6K while monitoring externally in 4K (I just checked). Then on the monitor, you can stretch it out if it's an anamorphic lens.

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Reply from @denialvanish
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 9:29pm

@@photojoseph Agreed on processor upgrade--4 years is a long time in hi-tech. Biggest issue with GH5 is seeing what you're recording when in "6k" anamorphic mode (6k not being exactly 6k). The LCD is way too small for this and the HDMI (apparently) is older than v2.1 so can't handle more than a 4k image externally. The Ninja V will support 5.7k raw, so I'm assuming it could display a "6k" image while recording? Does, for instance, your S5 record and show 5.7k with the Ninja? If so, one would think that the GH5II could do this when in anamorphic mode.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 7:55pm

Don't think of it as a simple processor thing — it might be. However that features is written into a newer version of the operating system, which the GH5 isn't able to run. Think of it like a new feature on your Mac or PC in the latest version of macOS or Windows. Could older hardware do that _feature_? Probably. But it's not written into the older OS, and the newer OS can't run on that older hardware. At some point, you have to write new code just for the new OS.

As to Open Gate… I'm not totally sure what you want it to do. I just compared GH5 II to GH5 and got the same results. With the camera set to 4:3 recording, it is outputting the full 4:3 image, but the recorder (Ninja V in this case) is only capable of capturing a UHD image, so that's how it sees it — 16:9 with pillar boxes in UHD resolution. I don't know that the camera could output the full resolution of 4992*3744, because what could capture that? Happy to dig into this more; tell me what you'd expect/ hope to see?

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Reply from @denialvanish
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 6:51pm

Just found the 1st answer with Tito of Anamorphic on a budget: Yes. Don't see why they couldn't do this with the GH5 as well, though. We're not talking a processor-intensive firmware update.

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Reply from @davidp158
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 1:35am

Thanks for this video!

After reading many forum posts whining about the GH5 ii features, this video is a breath of fresh air. For a refresh version of the GH5, there are a substantial number of significant (large and small) details that I'm pleased to see. Sure, I'm inclined to impatiently wait for the GH6, but if I was in need of a camera sooner than that I'd pre-order the GH5 ii.

Do you know if there is a limit to which native Lumix lenses will be compatible with the focus ring rotation (linear focus, like the S series cameras) feature? I have some older Lumix lenses from back in the days of my GH3 that could benefit from this feature.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Friday, May 28, 2021 - 3:02pm

Turns out this info was already on my site — it's in the press release that's included on the GH5 II page. Scroll down to where it says "Firmware update for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses" at https://photojoseph.com/moment/lumix-gh5-ii-full-specs-details-comparison/20431

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 3:31pm

Thanks Dave. And definitely a limit on the lenses — this is very much a lens + camera technology equation. I’ll try to find a public list and post it on http://www.photojoseph.com today

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Reply from @Filmmaker809
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 7:54pm

Well buddy it aint the GH6, but hey! :) Great video by the way Joseph!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 7:57pm

Thanks boss!

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Reply from @leeaverne
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 11:44am

Great breakdown, thank you!!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 3:12pm

My pleasure!

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Reply from @gil_carter
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 11:25am

Thanks Joseph, very thorough. For a GH5 owner today, would you move to a GH5s (with the firmware upgrades from today) or a GH5 II?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 3:13pm

Personally the GH5S is more interesting because I shoot a lot of low light and the dual native ISO is a huge win for me.

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Reply from @GregStonham
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 12:33am

Straight to the useful, real world features 👍. Thanks very much.

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Reply from @FightCollective
on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 - 9:04am

@@photojoseph Yeah I appreciate the straight, honest no messing camera review/specs... thanks (from the UK).

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 1:19am

Right on, thanks for watching!

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Reply from @PolluxChung
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 11:56pm

I am going to wait and see what GH6 really delivers before deciding my next move.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 1:19am

yeah I hope we get more info as we get closer!

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Reply from @CarlPendlePhotos
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 11:47pm

Your highlights are very blown/washed out. great video

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Reply from @datalaforge
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 4:15pm

@@photojoseph I just updated and I still get a blown out image. Interestingly, with this Chrome update, my gmail is now super slow. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This is the first time I've seen an HDR video on here, or maybe the first time I've thought that the creator should have known how to properly expose their shot! Anyway, this is a very good gh5ii video. I'm considering the upgrade as this takes care of pretty much everything I was looking at other cameras for.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 6:42am

Dang. And your chrome is up to date? Pretty bad when Google’s browser can’t play Google’s content correctly.

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Reply from @datalaforge
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 6:14am

This happened to me as well on Chrome. It's showing HDR but I'm not on an HDR display so it's not right. It looks right in Safari but without the higher resolution.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 1:20am

Actually that reminds me that I need to upload the SDR version as well, thanks!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 1:20am

Hm, could you tell me how you were watching? This is an HDR video and some devices totally blow the conversion.

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Reply from @ATTACKofthe6STRINGS
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 11:46pm

Wow, you hit it out of the park with this one. At first, everybody was so upset at the announcement of a GH5 mk II, and the seemingly middling features it came with. With this video update you've done, as well as the announcement of the GH6, it makes so much sense. when 10-bit 422 recording came to the G9, everybody wondered what would become of the GH5. While plenty of the other video features were useful, the fact that you could record essentially the same files with the help of an external recorder meant that people who had a G9 (like myself) suddenly had a budget GH5. This hardware refresh now makes the GH5 a compelling buy over the G9 once again, and places the GH6 back into flagship status. Honestly, where I was frustrated for m43 with the initial announcement, even though I wasn't looking to buy a GH5 mkII, I'm now impressed at this combination of announcements. Additionally, DP review is saying that the camera will be $1700, $300 cheaper than the original GH5.

This is the announcement everybody was waiting for and, honestly, some of the features you've outlined have me GASing hard even though I don't need this right now.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 1:21am

Thank you! That's awesome to hear, and yes I couldn't agree more. It may not be the most exciting update ever, but it's filled with solid usable features, not fancy useless stuff. There's not a single new feature that doesn't make me say "yeah… I need that" 🤣

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Reply from @spotcutsfilm
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:51pm

Thank You Joseph, Cool review :). Could you check how many file format we can choose GH5 mII now? I saw only MOV and MP4 on other review. Is this true? Old GH5 have also MP4 LPCM and HEVC. Thanks for your information. Regards :)

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 7:58pm

You're welcome!

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Reply from @spotcutsfilm
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 7:38pm

PhotoJoseph Thank you much 🤜🤛.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 6:26pm

You can switch between MOV and MP4. When in MOV, the audio is LCPM. In MP4, audio is AAC. We lost AVCHD from the original GH5. I'm looking at a chart from an internal presentation (I can't find this publicly or I'd link it to you), but it appears that the camera switches to H.265/HEVC automatically whenever shooting 4:2:0 10-bit (but not 4:2:2). The 6K Photo mode should also be HEVC.

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Reply from @Tamtomasz
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:15pm

How about HDMI lag in GH5 ii?

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Thursday, May 27, 2021 - 7:57pm

You know, you're right… the BMD latency is much lower. Hmm.

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Reply from @Tamtomasz
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 9:42pm

@@photojoseph So why Blackmagic's cameras have low latency on HDMI? :) I'm not expecting 0 ms lag but Panasonic actually sucks in terms of HDMI latency. They should definitly work on it because this is pain in the ass for focus puller when using external monitor.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 3:19pm

So, it's not something to "fix". HDMI delay is in all HDMi cameras. It's an inherent part of HDMI processing. For realtime video output, you need a camera with SDI output.

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Reply from @Tamtomasz
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:39pm

@@photojoseph I hoped they fixed this.. ehh :/

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:32pm

I haven't compared side by side but it appears the same as the GH5.

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Reply from @halffull_media
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 9:45pm

Thanks for the updates, Joseph. One of my frustrations with the GH5/S is the inability to effectively use an external monitor with the Ronin (SS2), or other gimbals, as the LCD screen goes black. Did I interpret correctly from your video that the GH5 mkII will be able to show me the camera settings on the LCD while sending video to a monitor? If so, this would be huge for me. Thanks

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Reply from @martinprazsky1952
on Saturday, July 31, 2021 - 8:57am

@@halffull_media I just tested this problem with my Moza Air2. Same situation with GH5 - The LCD turns black when the Camera is controlled from the gimbal via USB-C.
But fortunately testing it with my GH5 ii shows that it doesn´t have this restriction due to the new Venus Engine Prozessor, which is the same as the one in the S1H. So both Cameras (GH5 ii and S1H) show the picture through the HDMI and the LCD simultaneously. BTW - The S5 has the same limitation as the GH5.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - 3:16pm

oh I see. Well if there's an extensive online discussion, I won't debate it ;-) But this is interesting to check on the GH5 II… so, I will try this out and set it up on the Ronin with the Raveneye today. I don't know what will happen though since it's a new camera and the Raveneye may not recognize it… well, we'll find out.

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Reply from @halffull_media
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 11:24pm

@@photojoseph This is one thread from DJI that I found years ago, that seems to explain the issue as a GH5 limitation. It said that it is a video channel limitation on the GH5. It uses the Ronin (tether) as one, the external monitor/recorder as the second, so the LCD switches off as there are no channels available.

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Reply from @halffull_media
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 11:19pm

@@photojoseph Thanks, Joseph. What I meant, was that when the GH5/S is used with the Ronin (I have the RS2 now), it connects via the USB-C port. When I further connect the GH5/S to my Ninja V via HDMI, the LCD becomes inoperative (goes black/blank), so that you can no longer see your camera settings, or know for sure if you're recording, etc. Everything appears like it's working, until you turn on the Ronin, and then the LCD turns off. Every time I've researched the issue online over the years, the general consensus has been that the GH5 cannot output video to the LCD, and through HDMI, while the USB-C port is being used. I'd love for you to tell me I've been wrong all this time, but I don't think so? I was hoping that the mkII would resolve the issue. Let me know if this makes more sense now. Thanks

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:33pm

That is correct. I don't know what you mean though about the LCD going black? I use mine on Ronin's all the time.

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Reply from @woutschelstraete3393
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 9:04pm

Can you check if the GH5 Mark2 is able to output HDMI and USCB while showing the image on the LCD screen? For example with the RS2 and a Ninja V or the Raveneye. Now I'm using the GH5 and as soon as I plug in the HDMI and the usbc the LCD Screen turns black. Would love to hear from you

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Reply from @magnusgotander3954
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:48pm

Who cares if you already has a' GH5 and S5 ? I don't .... and with a NinjaV.
Despite that, you have the best image quality and sound compare to your other "competitorås/collegues". It's really nice to watch.Especially at todays live.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:35pm

Lots of people who don't have GH5 and S5 (and even do) care quite a bit :-) Thanks for the complement… I do try hard to make my quality very high!

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Reply from @TheDIYFilmmaker
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:10pm

Thank you Joseph, great GH5 II feature comparison. Cheers!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:50pm

Thanks for that!

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Reply from @rudolfabelin383
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 7:08pm

This is the BEST GH5 II video!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:03pm

woohoo, thanks!

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Reply from @pauljefferies6817
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 6:26pm

Good video thanks! Two questions, did I hear right when you said old GH5 batteries can be used in the new GH5ii? I thought the backwards compatibility worked the other way round with new into old. Second, power via USB, will the camera automatically switch to internal battery power if the usb power supply is interrupted, without corrupting your recording? (Like my old Hi8 camcorder would do twenty five years ago!)

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 10:35pm

yeah!!

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Reply from @pauljefferies6817
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 9:00pm

Excellent news! The Continuous uninterrupted power thing is something I’ve always wanted in this range, goodbye dodgy third party adaptors and corrupted clips!

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:06pm

The new batteries have a lip on them that prohibits them from going into the older camera. So, old batteries in new camera = OK. New batteries to older camera = NOT OK. And as for power; yes. I just tested it… I started recording, connected USB power and it switched, then disconnected it and it switched back to battery, all without a hiccup in the recording!

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Reply from @chris_sparrows
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 6:14pm

Thanks for the concise rundown.

I know there's a lot they can't port to the GH5 because of the hardware itself, but have they said anything about porting that ability to filter the resolution/framerate/etc.? It's not much, but it would be a nice touch.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:09pm

I haven't heard, and yeah that would be a nice touch. Sorry I don't have an answer for you.

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Reply from @curtisjudd
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 5:55pm

Thanks for this Joseph - really helpful for us GH5/GH5S owners needing a quick summary of the differences.

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Reply from @lamasteve6905
on Monday, May 31, 2021 - 6:09pm

@@curtisjudd Panasonic has their legs under them ?

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Reply from @curtisjudd
on Sunday, May 30, 2021 - 7:22am

@@datalaforge Looks great! I don't have a pressing need for the new features so it probably makes more sense for me to wait for the GH6. Still use my GH5 and GH5S all the time. Great, reliable, practical cameras.

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Reply from @datalaforge
on Saturday, May 29, 2021 - 11:33pm

Hey Curtis! I'm really curious to know what you think about this gh5ii. For a while, I could feel the s5 calling out to me but I think this might better suit my needs.

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Reply from @photojoseph
on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 8:09pm

Thanks for watching my friend!

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Comments

Reply from PG
on July 15, 2021 - 2:28pm

Hello Joseph,

thank you for this superb introduction to the GH5-II. Since both the G9 and the GH5-II seem to share the same Venus Engine and possibly also anti-reflective coating on the sensor, is there a chance that the colors of the standard (ie. non V-LOG) profiles on these cameras for both photo and video match closely right out of the box? It would be great to know whether the G9 easily could be used as a B-cam to the GH5-II without resorting to major color correction in post.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

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Reply from PhotoJoseph
on July 15, 2021 - 6:55pm

I don't have precise details, but they should be the same. I would expect them to match or at least be extremely close straight out of camera.

@PhotoJoseph
— Have you signed up for the mailing list?

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