Panasonic Lumix GH5 II price, specs, availability confirmed

Panasonic has announced the Lumix GH5 Mark II, or GH5 II, a new Micro four Thirds mirrorless camera with a 20.3Mp Four Thirds type sensor and an updated Venus Engine processor.

According to Panasonic, the Lumix GH5 II’s sensor has an AR (anti-reflective) coating that helps to suppress flare and ghosting to get more from compatible lenses.

Building on the GH5, the GH5 II can record C4K (4095×2160) or 4K (3840×2160) video at 60p 4:2:0 10-bit to a compatible SD card until the card is full or the battery expires. It can also simultaneously output 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video to an HDMI connected device.

Internal recording is possible at up to 4K 60p and 4:2:2 10-bit 30p and there are 4K/6K Anamorphic modes. What’s more, the GH5M2 uses its whole sensor area for capturing video, so the footage is uncropped.

In addition, the Panasonic GH5M2 can live stream Full HD 60p video wirelessly via the Lumix Sync smartphone app or by connecting directly to a Wi-Fi router. A firmware update that’s scheduled to arrive before the end of 2021 will also add RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming.

As is becoming expected now, the GH5 Mark II has V-Log L pre-installed which means that videographers can capture very flat footage for post-capturing grading. Shooting in V-Log L also makes it easier to match footage from different cameras.

There are also 35 compatible conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras available for free download.

Like Panasonic’s flagship S-Series video camera, the S1H, the Lumix GH5 II has two types of Cinelike gamma presets in the Photo Style menu. These modes are designed to create warm skin tones or subtle light and shadow areas without colour grading.

The Cinelike D2 preset prioritises dynamic range, while Cinelike V2 prioritises contrast. L.Monochrome S and L.Classic Neo have also been added and all the presets are available in Anamorphic mode.

In VFR (Variable Frame Rate) recording, C4K/4K 60fps, Anamorphic 50fps and FHD 180fps are available. The focus can be set using autofocusing before starting VFR recording.

A Waveform Monitor and V-Log View Assist are also on hand to make it easier to understand or visualise the footage that is being captured.

Image Stabilisation

Like the Panasonic GH5 it replaces, the Lumix GH5 Mark II has in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). However, the IBIS has been further developed and is said to enable a shutter speed compensation of up to 6.5EV.

The GH5M2 also uses an adapted version of the stabilisation algorithm used by the Panasonic S1H, for smoother, more stable video.

Tough construction

Panasonic has given the Lumix GH5 II die-cast front and rear frames made from magnesium alloy and it’s splash and dust resistant. It’s also able to operate at temperatures down to -10°C.

The camera also uses a new 2200mAh battery that can be recharged via mains power or USB.

There are two UHS-II compliant SD card slots for recording stills or video and the cards can be set to act in relay or back-up mode or different file types can be saved to one card or the other.

Lens firmware update

On 8th June, Panasonic will issue a firmware update for a collection of Lumix G and Leica DG 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) to enable a choice of linear or non-linear manual focusing.

When non-linear is set, the focus shifts according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. However, when linear is selected, the focus moves in fixed intervals according to how far the lens is turned, mimicking a manual lens. In the linear mode the sensitivity can be set between 90 and 360 degrees at 30-degree intervals.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II price and availability

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II is set to go on sale at the end of June for £1,499/$1,697 body only, £1,699 with the 12-60 Lumix lens and £1,999 with Leica 12-60mm lens.

You can pre-order the Panasonic GH5 II from Wex Photo Video and Park Cameras in the UK or Adorama and B&H Photo Video in the USA.