Panasonic Unveils the GH5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds camera
As announced before, Panasonic has unveiled today the Lumix DC-GH5 II (GH5M2), an updated version of its video-focused Micro Four Thirds camera, featuring outstanding video performance for all film creators. The next high-performance product in the evolution of the GH5, the LUMIX GH5M2 achieves C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit 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.
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.
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/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit, 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.
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.
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 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).
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 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.
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.
The LUMIX GH5M2 will be available 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).
More info on Panasonic’s website.
