The new Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II updates the GH5 with a number of updates, designed to give improved image quality, improved video recording, plus live streaming support. Improvements have been made to the autofocus system, with animal, body, face and eye-detection, with Panasonic's Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) contrast-detection focus. The camera features an updated 20mp Micro Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), a 3inch vari-angle touch screen, and a 3.6m dot EVF. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is available for £1499 body only, and also available with the Panasonic 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, or the Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 lens.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Features
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is the update to the GH5, a camera that has been extremely popular for video use, and as a "Hybrid" camera, as Panasonic call it, it will most likely be something videographers are going to be most interested in. Stills photographers, could instead look at the Panasonic Lumix G9, which offers more photo-centric features, including quicker continuous shooting, as well as high-res shooting modes, and has the added bonus of being quite a lot cheaper. In this review, we'll look at both the photo and video features, and find out how the camera performs.
For those interested in video, here are some of the key improvements made with the GH5 II for video, with 4K 60fps 10-bit video being possible on the GH5 II, compared to 4K 60fps being recorded at 8-bit (internally) on the GH5:
New Video Features - GH5 II vs GH5:
- C4K/4K up to 60fps, 10bit internal / external
- Simultaneous internal/external recording
- Live streaming function / Wireless live streaming
- V-Log L pre-installed (with 12 stops of Dynamic Range)
- 6K-A 4:3 Anamorphic shooting
- Red frame indicator
- Up to 180fps FullHD video
- Vertical video support
- Update video display available
- USB-PD power delivery support with USB C connection
Some of the new video features available change depending on the frame rate selected, for example, 4:2:0 10bit internal recording is available at 60/50fps, or 4:2:2 10bit internal is available at 30/25/24fps.
Wireless live streaming uses the RTMP/RTMPS protocol, and this lets you stream live to any platform that supports RTMP/RTMPS, including YouTube. You simply connect to your smartphone's Lumix Sync app and can stream over your mobile phones internet connection, or via a wireless internet connection. You can also connect the camera to your computer using the Lumix Webcam software.
In terms of photography use, much remains unchanged, however, there are a number of updates that have been implemented that should deliver improved image quality. This will benefit both stills use and video use, with improvements in image quality, focus performance and features, as well as improvements made to the image sensor, and the image stabilisation system.
Image quality and other improvements:
- 25% improved dynamic range
- Improved skin tones and colour gradation (improved colour science)
- Improved detail, improved highlight retention
- Anti-Reflective coating on sensor reduces ghosting
- Improved Dual IS - up to 6.5stops
- Improved screen brightness
- New BLK22 (2200mAh) battery support
- AF improvements, including animal and people tracking
Other changes include a smaller 3.0inch screen, but a higher resolution of 1.84m dots, and Panasonic say it is 150% brighter than the screen used in the GH5.
If you're interested in stills shooting, then the GH5 II offers 12fps continuous shooting, or 9fps with continuous AF using the mechanical shutter, and up to 60/30fps when using 4K photo or 30fps when using 6K photo, using an electronic shutter. 4K photo gives you an 8mp image, while the 6K photo gives you an 18mp image. The shutter unit has mechanical shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. Electronic shutter speeds can be used up to 1/16000s.
Like the GH5, the camera has an ISO range from ISO100 (low) to ISO25600 for stills, and ISO100 to ISO12800 available for video.
The menu system benefits from the same design and layout as other recent Panasonic Lumix cameras and features a customisable My Menu section, as well as an area to save your favourite video recording resolutions.
The 20-megapixel sensor has no optical low-pass filter, and is designed to give improved image quality thanks to a new anti-reflective coating. The camera also benefits from the latest Panasonic Venus Image processing engine, which should give better detail, as well as improved colour performance.
The Image Stabilisation (IS) system, "Dual I.S. 2", has been improved with up to 6.5 stops of IS, with the in-body sensor-based 5-axis image stabilisation working in combination with any lens with optical image stabilisation.
The GH5 II has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body that is splash, dust and freeze-proof. The camera also supports Dual SD (UHS-II) card slots.
Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are built-in. The full-time Bluetooth connection is available for auto transfer of images, plus easy remote control, and the ability to copy settings from one camera to another, which will help when setting up a number of cameras.
Key Features
- 20.3mp w/o LPF m43 sensor, new Venus engine
- 5-axis dual image stabilisation 2 (sensor and lens IS), 6.5 stops
- 6K photo 30fps (18mp) - unlimited, 4K photo at 60fps (8mp)
- 225 Area multi-AF, DFD, Custom multi, Zone AF, intuitive joystick control
- Customise AF according to shooting intent
- 3680K dot 0.76x OLED LVF, 21mm eyepoint, eye sensor
- 3.0inch vari-angle touch-screen, 1.84m dot
- 12fps continuous shooting (at 20mp)
- 9fps with cont AF
- ISO100 (low) to ISO25600
- Splash, dust, freezeproof, magnesium alloy body
- Dual SD slot (UHS-II)
- Wi-Fi (5GHz), Low-Power Bluetooth v4.2, HDMI type A, USB3.1
- Customisable My menu
- 410 shot battery life, up to 1000 with energy saver mode
- Optional BGGH5 battery grip, adds a second battery
Video Features
- Full pixel readout 4K/60p 4:2:2 10bit 4k30p unlimited recording time
- FullHD 180fps high-speed video
- Simultaneous internal recording
- HDMI Type A Terminal
- HDMI Cable lock holder (provided)
- HDMI time code output
- HDMI rec control (start/stop)
- HLG / “709 Like” Photo Style
- Knee control to suppress overexposure, by high luminance video signals.
- Luminance level for 10bit
- Wave form monitor display
- V-Log / V-LogL included
- LUT (Look Up Table), V-LogL View Assist
- Live streaming support
- XLR mic adapter (optional)
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Handling
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II has a very subtle design update, with a smaller screen, but with a higher resolution of 1.84m dots, and is said to be brighter by 150% than the GH5.
The camera feels excellent in the hand, with the ON/Off switch feeling extremely well positioned, the grip is large but very comfortable in use, making the camera comfortable to use over longer periods of time.
The elephant in the room is that whilst the Micro Four Thirds system uses a smaller sensor than APS-C cameras, the GH5 II is larger and heavier than some full-frame mirrorless cameras including Panasonic's own full-frame Panasonic Lumix S5, however, this hasn't stopped the GH5 being extremely popular as a video camera, being used by a number of world-famous shows. The camera weighs 727g with a battery and memory card, which is only slightly heavier than the GH5, and the use of a Micro Four Thirds lens helps keep the weight down.
Build quality is excellent, with a tough magnesium alloy body that is weather sealed. The top buttons are cleverly designed, with the WB button raised, the ISO button has two raised dots, and the exposure compensation button is lower. The video button is now red like on other recent cameras.
There are numerous customisable function buttons on the camera, far more than most cameras provide. This gives you good control over customisation, so you can set up the camera as you'd like it. An additional 5 are available using the touch-screen. You can also customise the 4-way controller and the joystick on the back, giving you another 9!
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Panasonic Lumix GH5 II - Customisable Function Buttons
The layout of controls and buttons is well thought out, with the front top and rear command dials falling neatly to hand. You can also reach the majority of controls and buttons on the back with your right-hand thumb. There are just a few controls on the left-hand side of the camera, including the drive mode dial on top, and the playback and LVF (Live ViewFinder / Electronic ViewFinder) buttons.
Compared to the GH5, the GH5 II benefits from the latest Panasonic menu system - with fewer pages to scroll through (as they’ve fit more on one page), clearer colour coding for each section, and when options are greyed out, the camera will tell you why. There is a My Menu section where you can put your most commonly used settings.
The electronic viewfinder offers a high resolution at 3.68million dots, and offers 0.76x magnification - you can’t really tell that you’re looking at an electronic display when using it, apart from the overlay of graphics. The eyecup surround is large, and eye-detection means the camera automatically switches between the EVF and screen.
The screen and EVF colour reproduction match each other, which is what you expect from a camera at this price point. The rear screen can be viewed in bright sunlight, and the ability to alter the angle and position also helps here.
There are 225 focus points, and the camera can focus down to -4EV. You can use the touch-screen to set the focus position, and this can be set to anywhere on the screen, even into the far corners. The camera will automatically detect humans and animals, although you can switch off animal detection if you want.
The shutter is relatively quiet in use, and quiet with a weather-sealed Leica 12-60mm lens attached.
Battery life - The camera has a battery life of 400/410 shots (depending on the lens), which can be extended to 1200 shots using the "Power Save LVF mode". This can be doubled, with the use of the optional weather-sealed battery grip. You can charge the battery in the camera, or use the camera while powering the camera. An external battery charger is included in the box. You can also get 120 minutes of 4K/60p video or 140 minutes of FullHD/60p video (continuous), actual 60/70min. The camera uses the new BLK22 battery.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Performance
The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Sample Photos
Sample Photos - The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II gives great results with very pleasing colour reproduction. Images have plenty of detail but aren't over sharpened. Face and eye detection focus can help get excellent portrait photos with every shot correctly focused on the subject's eyes. Exposure was reliable, and we rarely needed to use exposure compensation. Dynamic range captured is good, and using the iDR (intelligent Dynamic Range) option you can capture additional dynamic range in images.
DFD focus works perfectly well with stills photography and was quick enough, as well as accurate. Image stabilisation works well, and lets you get sharp results even at slow shutter speeds.
Built-in lens correction is automatically applied to Micro Four Thirds lenses, and this means that distortion is very well controlled, as well as purple fringing and chromatic aberrations. There are further options in the camera to correct for vignetting (shading compensation), as well as diffraction when using smaller apertures. Available with the Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 lens, image quality is very good, and the lens is capable of focusing on close-up subjects, giving good macro performance for a "kit" lens, with good background blur. Focus is extremely reliable with a good success rate, with the focus failure likely to be due to accidentally setting the wrong focus point with the touch-screen.
4K Photo at 60fps produces 8mp images, and 6K Photo at 30fps produces 18mp images. Focus stacking can be used to produce an 18-megapixel image with all focus points in focus in one image, alternatively, you can save an image with just one area in focus, as well as browse the different focus points on the camera screen.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II ISO test images
ISO Noise Performance - Noise performance is very good from ISO100 up to and including ISO1600. Detail drops off at ISO3200, however, ISO3200 provides usable images, with ISO6400 potentially offering good results, depending on your intended use. You'll most likely want to avoid using ISO12800 or ISO25600. There is quite strong noise reduction, however, you can adjust the noise reduction from -5 to +5, and these shots were taken on default settings.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II White-balance test images
White Balance Performance - Auto white balance (AWB) gives a warm result under tungsten light, and there is an "AWB: Cool" setting that delivers a slightly more corrected result. However, if you need your white background to be white, under tungsten lighting, then the tungsten preset gives the best result. AWB performs well under fluorescent lighting, and there is no fluorescent preset available (most give a colour cast on other cameras due to variation of fluorescent lighting). The AWB Cool setting may be useful when there is a mixture of tungsten and fluorescent lighting.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Digital filters
Digital Filters - There are numerous Photo Styles (Colour profiles) available, and these can be applied to photos or video. You can save the original, unedited raw files, so that if you don't like the effect you can have an image without the effect applied. The camera doesn't feature an automatic panoramic mode. There are a number of different profiles that will be interesting to photographers, as well as ones designed for video.
Video - The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II has an updated range of video features, including improved video resolutions and frame rates. The camera uses the full sensor area, giving improved detail in 4K and 1080p video. You'll also find 6K-A (4:3) anamorphic recording for use with an anamorphic lens.
4K Cine resolution (4096x2160) video can be recorded at 50fps (420/10bit), 25/24fps (422/10bit), and up to 400Mbps is available. You can also record up to 60fps. FullHD 1080p video can be recorded at up to 180fps, however, autofocus is unavailable, frustratingly you need to use manual focus. MOV is what you want if you want to choose from the whole range of video resolutions and frame rates, but MP4 is also available (with a limited range of resolutions and frame rates) .
There are so many different resolutions, frame rates, and options available, you can add your favourites to "MyList" so you can quickly get to the settings you want more quickly. Beware, you'll need a high-end PC to playback (and edit) 400Mbps video footage!
For those with professional broadcast needs, the camera has SMPTE / EBU / ARIB colour bars with a 1kHz test tone. There is also Cinelike D2 / Cinelike V2 / Like709 / and V-LogL photo styles available for video, plus Flat, as well as a number of customisable photo styles. More video features available include: Knee control, Luminance level (8-bit and 10bit), Wave form monitor / Vectorscope, Time code, Synchro scan, SS/Gain operation, V-LogL View Assist, HLG View Assist, and Anamorphic Desqueeze display, plus more
The ISO range available for video recording is ISO100 to ISO12800, and you can display a red REC frame indicator when recording, or for Live streaming, a blue frame indicator. There is no raw video output, and you might want to wait for the GH6 if you want this.
Live streaming uses the RTMP/RTMPS protocol, which is supported by Youtube and Facebook, with H.264 compression, and has a maximum resolution and frame rate of FullHD, 60fps, and 16Mbps. A firmware update is planned to add support for wired connections, such as USB to smartphone.
There are custom AF settings available for the video mode as well, which lets you adjust the AF speed (from -5 to +5), and AF sensitivity (from -3 Locked On to +3 Responsive). The contrast-based focus system (DFD) can hunt when you leave continuous AF switched on.
The camera has built-in stereo microphones, with Wind Noise Canceller options of: OFF / Low / Standard / High / AUTO. There are microphone and headphone sockets. High-res audio recording is also available with the optional DMW-XLR1 (sold separately).
We've recorded videos in a variety of conditions and have been very impressed by the results.
You can view additional Panasonic Lumix GH5 II videos on the ePHOTOzine YouTube Channel.
Value For Money
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is available for £1499 body only (£200 less than the RRP of the GH5), which is less than the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (at £1599). Other video-centric cameras to look at include the Canon EOS R5 (with 8K video), the Sony Alpha 1 (with 8K), and the Sony Alpha A7S III (with 4K), although these are considerably more expensive.
Have a look at more compact system cameras in our Top 16 Best Premium Mirrorless Cameras (with EVF). You'll also need to buy a (large) memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Verdict
Much of the GH5 II is the same or very similar, you get the same 20mp Micro Four Thirds sensor, with improved sensor-based 5-axis image stabilisation, combined with the lens' optical image stabilisation, which gives benefits for both stills photography and video recording. You've also got 6K Photo, and you can shoot unlimited photos at 30fps, giving you 18-megapixel images. 4K Photo shoots unlimited photos at 60fps, although these are at a resolution of 8 megapixels.
Video improvements and live streaming are welcome, and will be exactly what some people are looking for.
Image quality from the camera is very good, with the camera producing pleasing images, with good levels of detail, and good colour. The use of a Micro Four Thirds sensor, which is smaller than APS-C CMOS sensors means that at high ISO settings noise performance isn't as good as APS-C or FF cameras, however, the camera does produce usable results up to ISO3200 and ISO6400. This is likely to be the case until Micro Four Thirds sensors make the next leap in sensor technology, to backside-illuminated sensors.
For some, the lack of phase-detection AF could be disappointing, and there are times when continuous AF will hunt or wobble when recording video.
The GH5 II offers a list of video features and specifications beyond what most people need, but the headline features are that the camera can record unlimited 4K video, with higher quality recording possible internally, without the need of an external recorder, plus Live Streaming support (at up to FullHD resolution).
The Micro Four Thirds system is ideally suited to 4K video, as the compact range of lenses means the system is much smaller than if you were to use a full-frame (or APS-C) DSLR for 4K video recording. High-speed FullHD video recording is also available at up to 180fps.
If CINE 4K is something you need, or you do any video, then the 5-axis image stabilisation system will help here, dramatically improving the stability (and professional look) of your videos, without the need of a tripod, and this gives the GH5 II (and other cameras with in-camera IS) an advantage over most DSLRs.
You also benefit from a very good electronic viewfinder (EVF), which features a high resolution of 3.68m dots, and the magnification is good at 0.76x. This makes using the EVF a pleasure, with impressive levels of detail visible. The 3.0inch touch-screen is also very good, letting you quickly change settings and options. Battery life can be extended to 1200 shots with energy-saving options switched on.
If you're a stills photographer primarily, then the Panasonic Lumix G9 or Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III could be a better choice. Then there are also a variety of APS-C cameras available with higher resolution on offer, from Sony, Canon, and Fujifilm.
If you do any form of video work, then the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II will be an obvious choice.
If you shoot video then the GH5 II is a great choice, assuming you don't already have the GH5, and assuming you can't wait to see what the GH6 is going to offer. If you don't need higher speed video (4K 120fps: Canon EOS R5, Sony Alpha A7S III, or 8K: Canon EOS R5, Sony Alpha 1), then the GH5 II is a great choice, and is also considerably cheaper than these alternatives. If you don't need live streaming, then the GH5 is likely to be great value for money while still available, but if you're looking for live streaming, then the GH5 II is a great choice.
| Offers exceptional video quality and recording features beyond what most would need, whilst also delivering great image quality. |