Product details
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Description
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Specifications
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Features
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Panasonic Lumix S5 II Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II twin-lens kit pairs the 24.2-megapixel full-frame S5 II mirrorless camera with two distinct L-Mount lenses: the Lumix S 20–60mm f/3.5–5.6 standard zoom and the Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 prime. The combination covers wide scenes, everyday framing, portraits and video production without treating one lens as a substitute for the other. Both lenses cover the full-frame image area of the camera, and the kit is specifically the S5 II, not the S5 IIX or an earlier S5 body.
The camera combines Phase Hybrid autofocus, sensor-shift stabilisation, 6K 10-bit recording, V-Log and a built-in cooling fan. Its appeal lies in having extensive video controls alongside conventional still-image handling, an electronic viewfinder and a fully articulated rear screen. The main qualifications concern recording modes, memory-card requirements and lens stabilisation. In particular, 4K recording at 50p or 60p uses an APS-C image area, and the two included lenses do not contain optical image stabilisation. These details influence framing and hand-held shooting more than a general specification summary suggests.
What Makes This Twin-Lens Kit Useful
A zoom lens can change the picture without the photographer moving position. The included 20–60mm provides a wide starting view for interiors, group photographs and handheld filming, then zooms in for more selective framing. The 50mm lens cannot zoom, but its wider f/1.8 aperture lets in more light and can create a more blurred background behind a portrait subject.
This distinction makes the two lenses complementary. Someone photographing a trip may leave the zoom attached for most of the day, then switch to the 50mm lens for an evening portrait or an indoor scene. The main compromise is having to carry and change two lenses. For a family celebration, the 20–60mm can capture the whole group and the surroundings, then the 50mm can frame individual portraits with more background separation. During a daytime city walk, the zoom is often the more convenient option because framing can change without swapping lenses. These scenarios do not require complicated camera settings to understand the benefit of the kit. Norwich also lists an S5 II camera body without these lenses that is a separate retail configuration.
The 20–60mm Lens for Travel, Groups and Wide Scenes
The Lumix S 20–60mm f/3.5–5.6 starts at 20mm, wide enough to include more of a room or landscape when it is difficult to step back. At 60mm, it can frame a person or a detail more closely. It is useful for family photographs, travel, architecture, indoor videos and everyday filming. Its relatively modest weight makes it easier to use for long walks than a much heavier professional zoom.
The maximum aperture becomes smaller as the lens zooms in. In dim conditions, that may mean using a higher ISO setting or accepting a slower shutter speed. The 20–60mm lens does not reach far enough for distant birds or field sports. Those situations call for a longer lens, for instance a Lumix S 70–300mm telephoto zoom, which is not included in this package.
The lens can focus quite close at its wider focal lengths, giving an opportunity to photograph food, flowers and small objects. Its closest focusing distance changes across the zoom range, so a close-up at 20mm is not identical to one at 60mm. The separately sold Lumix S 20–60mm lens is useful as a lens reference but is not an extra included item.
What the twin-lens configuration changes
The supplied 20–60mm zoom starts wider than a conventional 24mm standard zoom, giving more room for interior scenes, environmental portraits and hand-held video in confined spaces. Its maximum aperture changes from f/3.5 at the wide end to f/5.6 at the telephoto end, a relevant constraint once available light falls. The fixed-focal-length 50mm lens offers an f/1.8 maximum aperture, opening up a different range of low-light exposures and background separation at a normal perspective.
This product therefore represents a complete two-lens configuration, not a generic camera description with interchangeable kit details. Norwich also lists the S5 II body-only configuration, but its contents and purpose differ from the twin-lens package. The separate listing must not be confused with the two lenses covered here.
The 20–60mm Zoom: Wide-Angle Coverage and Practical Close Focus
Why the 20mm wide end matters
At 20mm on the full-frame sensor, the included zoom accommodates substantial foreground and background context, an advantage for interior photographs, architecture, small studios and walk-through video. A small shift from 24mm to 20mm changes the amount of room included in the frame, especially when the photographer cannot move farther back. At the 60mm end, the lens provides a more selective viewpoint for details, informal portraits and tighter compositions.
The zoom range does not extend into conventional long telephoto territory. Distant wildlife, field sports and tightly framed stage subjects require longer focal lengths. The relevant distinction is between the convenience of covering wide-to-normal views with one lens and the limited reach available beyond 60mm. The separate Lumix S 70–300mm telephoto zoom illustrates the substantially different focal range needed for more distant subjects.
Focusing distance depends on zoom position
Panasonic specifies a minimum focusing distance of 0.15m at focal lengths from 20mm to 26mm and 0.4m at 60mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.43× at the applicable wide-angle position. This makes small foreground details, flowers, food and tabletop items practical subjects, provided the camera can approach them closely. A 0.15m focusing figure should not be presented as available throughout the zoom range.
The lens itself weighs approximately 350g, uses a 67mm filter thread and contains no optical stabiliser. It works with the S5 II's sensor-shift mechanism. A separately listed Lumix S 20–60mm lens provides the same optical model for system reference, but that bulk-pack sales listing does not define the packaging or accessories supplied with this complete camera kit.
The 50mm f/1.8 Prime: Low-Light and Depth-of-Field Control
The second lens in this package is the Lumix S 50mm f/1.8, a full-frame L-Mount prime with a fixed focal length and a brighter maximum aperture than the standard zoom. A 50mm viewpoint works for portraits, documentary details, food photography and interview compositions where a natural-looking subject perspective is useful. Background blur comes from the combined effects of aperture, focus distance and subject-to-background separation; f/1.8 offers significantly more flexibility than the zoom at a comparable focal length.
The prime's maximum aperture has another consequence: it permits faster shutter speeds or lower ISO settings under the same available light. That can help with moving people in indoor scenes, although it cannot guarantee sharp results if the subject moves beyond the shutter speed selected. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m and a maximum magnification of 0.14×, so it does not replace a macro lens for small details. Its 67mm filter thread matches the zoom, which simplifies filter planning across the supplied pair.
At approximately 300g, the prime changes handling less dramatically than a large-aperture professional zoom. It has no optical image stabilisation, leaving camera-body stabilisation to compensate for hand movement. The model also appears as a standalone S 50mm f/1.8 lens, but this package already includes one, and the standalone offer is a separate retail product.
Full-Frame Photographs, Autofocus and Exposure
24.2MP stills and detailed files
The S5 II records 6000 × 4000-pixel images in its full-frame 3:2 setting. RAW and JPEG file options allow photographers to prioritise later tonal adjustments, faster sharing or a combination of the two. The resolution is well suited to portraits, events, travel, architectural scenes and online publication. Effective image detail also depends on focus accuracy, aperture, shutter speed and lens performance, so pixel count alone does not predict the result of a difficult scene.
For stationary subjects requiring higher output resolution, Panasonic's High Resolution mode combines multiple sensor-shift exposures into a file reaching 12000 × 8000 pixels, commonly described as 96MP. This process differs from capturing a single 96MP exposure. Movement between exposures can affect the composite, and the mode is principally appropriate for controlled or sufficiently static scenes. The normal 24.2MP capture remains the practical starting point for people, moving subjects and hand-held everyday work.
Phase Hybrid AF with practical subject tracking
The S5 II introduced Phase Hybrid autofocus to the full-frame Lumix S5 series. Its system combines phase-detection information with contrast-based focusing, using a 779-area phase-detection arrangement to assist recognition and tracking. Face and eye detection help with portrait framing, and continuous autofocus is useful when someone approaches the camera or changes position during video.
The presence of a detection mode does not guarantee flawless tracking. Performance changes with subject size, lighting, obstructions, available contrast, lens behaviour and the selected AF area. Close-up product photography may benefit from a single carefully positioned point; interviews may favour subject tracking; fast sports require a suitable shutter speed and longer focal length alongside capable autofocus. An S 85mm f/1.8 portrait lens represents a different portrait framing distance from the supplied 50mm prime, with an independent field of view and subject distance.
Mechanical and electronic shutter trade-offs
Mechanical-shutter continuous shooting reaches up to 9 frames per second under suitable focus settings, with a lower maximum when continuous tracking is active. Electronic-shutter shooting can reach approximately 30 frames per second under the specified camera settings. Electronic capture can introduce distortion under fast panning or moving subjects because the image sensor is read progressively. Artificial lighting may also expose banding under unsuitable shutter speeds. Fast burst figures must therefore be understood alongside shutter type, light source and buffer restrictions.
6K Recording and the Actual 4K Frame-Area Trade-Off
6K and 5.9K files for reframing
Internal 6K video on the Lumix S5 II records up to approximately 30p in 10-bit 4:2:0 LongGOP formats, including a 3:2 5952 × 3968 mode. A 5.9K 16:9 option records 5888 × 3312 pixels under supported system-frequency settings. Their larger source frames create room for a controlled 4K crop, vertical deliverables or stabilisation adjustments during editing, subject to the framing and codec used at capture.
The word 6K should not be interpreted as a guarantee of internal 6K RAW files. The camera's standard internal 6K format uses compressed H.265/HEVC recording. HDMI RAW data output requires compatible firmware, a separately activated software upgrade key and a supported external recorder. Likewise, specialised internal ProRes or direct USB-SSD recording functions associated with the S5 IIX should not be copied into the specifications for this S5 II kit.
4K 50p and 60p require APS-C framing
The S5 II supports internal C4K and 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 recording at frame rates up to 50p or 59.94p, depending on the video system. At those higher rates, the image comes from an APS-C / Super 35-sized portion of the sensor. This narrows the angle of view compared with full-frame recording. A 20mm lens consequently frames more tightly in cropped 4K/60p than it does in full-frame still photography or compatible slower-frame-rate video modes.
That shift matters for small rooms, self-filming and movement toward the edge of a scene. Videographers expecting the same ultra-wide angle across every mode need to plan their shooting distance accordingly. A wider full-frame 18mm f/1.8 prime lens covers a different perspective for wide compositions, although higher-frame-rate crops still apply when the relevant recording mode uses APS-C capture.
Colour recording, V-Log and monitoring tools
Internal 10-bit recording offers additional colour and tonal information for editing compared with basic 8-bit delivery. V-Log/V-Gamut is provided for grading workflows, with Panasonic specifying more than 14 stops of latitude under its stated V-Log conditions. That manufacturer figure is not a claim of independently measured real-world dynamic range in every mode. Exposure, ISO, lighting, display pipeline and noise reduction affect the usable result.
Real Time LUT support makes it possible to preview or apply colour looks using supported settings. Waveform monitoring, zebras and focus aids help with repeatable exposure and focus decisions, particularly when the 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen is positioned toward the operator. Such tools support a disciplined workflow; they do not correct missed focus, blown highlights or unsuitable lighting after the event.
Stabilisation: What the Kit Does and Does Not Include
The camera contains a five-axis sensor-shift stabiliser rated by Panasonic at approximately five stops under its stated CIPA test conditions. Active I.S. extends video-oriented correction for movement, with framing and operating effects dependent on the chosen settings. It is useful for walking sequences and hand-held composition, but it cannot eliminate abrupt steps, rapid rotation or moving-subject blur.
Panasonic also advertises up to 6.5 stops through Dual I.S. 2 under a test configuration using a compatible optically stabilised lens. That figure should not be described as the stabilisation available with the two supplied lenses. The 20–60mm and 50mm f/1.8 lenses have no lens-based O.I.S. mechanism. A compatible optical-stabilised model, represented by the Lumix S 24–105mm f/4 Macro O.I.S., changes the available stabilisation combination and focal range.
This distinction becomes relevant for long handheld takes, slower still-image shutter speeds and filming in cramped spaces. A stabilised sensor helps control camera movement; controlled physical support, sensible shutter settings and deliberate camera technique remain important, especially with heavier accessories.
Camera Body, Viewing and Extended Recording
The Lumix S5 II uses a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen and a 3.68-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder. The rear display assists low-angle framing, self-recording and working from the side of a tripod. The viewfinder offers an alternative in bright ambient light and for still photographers who prefer an eye-level composition. Its controls support direct changes to exposure, focus and video settings without turning every adjustment into a screen menu task.
A built-in active cooling fan helps manage internal temperature during prolonged video recording. Panasonic promotes extended and unrestricted recording in specified formats and supported temperature conditions, not a universal promise that every resolution, fan setting or ambient temperature permits indefinite capture. Power supply, remaining card capacity, camera temperature and individual recording-mode restrictions still matter. The body is described as dust- and splash-resistant, not waterproof, and accessory sealing is a separate consideration.
At about 740g with a battery and one SD card, the body has enough mass to feel substantial with the supplied lenses, yet it remains manageable for hand-held use. The two lenses differ by approximately 50g. A larger lens, external monitor, microphone, battery grip or cage changes the system's weight and handling. A 35mm f/1.8 L-Mount prime gives a different fixed perspective for documentary work without demanding a large zoom.
Memory Cards, Power and the Real Ownership Requirements
Both memory-card slots accept SD media and support UHS-II operation. They can be configured for different recording arrangements, including relay and backup recording where supported. Card speed must suit the specific codec, bitrate and recording mode. A card that stores ordinary stills reliably is not automatically appropriate for every demanding 10-bit video configuration. Storage planning should account for capacity, sustained write performance, offloading time and a separate backup copy after the shoot.
Norwich lists a 512GB SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II card and a 1TB UHS-II option as distinct media products. Capacity alone does not prove suitability for a particular recording mode; the precise V-class and Panasonic's supported media conditions govern that decision. The supplied twin-lens listing does not establish that memory cards or additional spare batteries form part of the box contents.
The S5 II uses the DMW-BLK22 battery family and supports USB charging and USB power delivery under Panasonic's stated conditions. Manufacturer battery-life testing is approximately 370 stills with the supplied lens models under the conventional CIPA method; Power Save LVF results are substantially higher under a different procedure. Recording times vary with temperature, selected mode, display use, autofocus activity and accessory load. A dedicated interview or event setup may therefore need additional batteries or a suitable external power solution.
Where the S5 II Twin-Lens Kit Fits Best
For travel and documentary work, the wide end of the 20–60mm lens helps establish a scene and record environmental context, and the 50mm prime supports individual subjects in lower light. For portraits and family events, Phase Hybrid AF, mechanical-shutter capture and the viewfinder offer a familiar photographic workflow. For video interviews, the 50mm perspective, V-Log recording and microphone connections provide flexibility, provided exposure, sound and camera support are organised for the location.
The kit has clear boundaries. It does not include a long telephoto lens for distant action, the supplied lenses lack optical stabilisation, and the variable-aperture zoom becomes less bright toward 60mm. The 50mm prime cannot zoom. Recording at 4K/60p changes the field of view, and high-volume 6K projects demand storage and editing capacity. Close-up work exceeding the zoom's 0.43× capability may benefit from a dedicated S 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, a separate specialist optic not included in this package.
The more video-focused S5 IIX body is a separate camera model with different recording and workflow capabilities. For someone concentrating on conventional stills, the original Lumix S5 body is also a separate generation, not an alternate name for the Phase Hybrid AF S5 II. These product boundaries protect the identity of this specific two-lens kit.
Ideal Use Cases
Travel and everyday photography: The 20–60mm zoom can capture city streets, wider landscapes, family groups and everyday moments without changing lenses for every scene. At 20mm, more of a room fits into the frame, making it useful when space is limited.
Portraits, celebrations and indoor photographs: The included 50mm f/1.8 lens gives a natural-looking portrait perspective and lets in more light than the zoom at comparable settings. It can help soften a busy background behind a person, although subject movement still calls for a suitable shutter speed.
Video, interviews and content creation: The S5 II suits people who take photographs and record video with the same camera. Its flip-out screen, autofocus and in-body stabilisation help with solo filming and handheld scenes. More demanding 6K recording and advanced colour options remain available as editing skills develop.
Products and close-up details: The zoom can frame food, flowers and larger products at its supported close-focus distances. Small insects and very fine details may call for a dedicated macro lens, which is not part of this package.
Who Should Buy This
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II twin-lens kit suits beginners moving into full-frame photography, hobbyists developing portrait skills and creators who need a camera for both still photographs and video. Two contrasting lenses are already included: the 20–60mm for flexible everyday framing and the 50mm f/1.8 for portraits and dimmer locations.
It also suits photographers who want room to advance into RAW photographs, manual exposure, colour grading and more involved filming. A beginner can use simpler recording settings first, then make use of the camera's deeper controls with experience. The kit is not designed to cover every subject: distant wildlife and stadium sport need a longer lens, and 4K/60p video uses a tighter sensor crop.
People who strongly prefer one lens for every outing should consider the practical inconvenience of switching between the two supplied lenses. Those working in challenging action settings may need faster or more specialised lenses beyond the kit.
Important Points Before Purchasing
- This package includes the S5 II body, 20–60mm zoom and 50mm f/1.8 prime.
- The 20–60mm zoom covers wide and everyday scenes; the 50mm prime favours brighter low-light exposure and background separation.
- The two kit lenses have no optical O.I.S.; body stabilisation remains available.
- 4K/50p and 4K/60p use an APS-C crop, changing the view from the lens.
- 6K is not recorded internally as RAW on the S5 II.
- High-resolution stills combining several exposures suit mostly stationary subjects.
- Suitable memory cards, extra power and any specialised microphones are separate considerations.
Please check the manufacturers website for exact box contents.
FAQs
Does the Panasonic Lumix S5 II twin-lens kit include both the 20–60mm and 50mm lenses?
Yes. The identified DC-S5M2W offer is the S5 II camera with a Lumix S 20–60mm f/3.5–5.6 zoom and a Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 prime. Memory cards and extra accessories should not be assumed included unless the current seller's box contents identify them.
Do the two supplied Panasonic S lenses have optical image stabilisation?
No. The S-R2060 zoom and S-S50 prime have no built-in O.I.S. The camera's five-axis sensor-shift mechanism remains available, but the advertised Dual I.S. 2 maximum requires a separate compatible optically stabilised lens.
Can the Lumix S5 II use 4K at 60p without an APS-C crop?
No. The supported internal 4K/C4K 50p and 59.94p modes use an APS-C capture area. Framing becomes narrower than the full-frame view available in suitable lower-frame-rate modes, which matters when filming in restricted spaces.
Does the Panasonic S5 II record 6K RAW internally?
No. Standard internal 6K recording uses compressed 10-bit H.265 formats. RAW data output through HDMI is a separate capability requiring compatible firmware, the activated software upgrade key and a supported external recording device.
How long does the S5 II battery last with the two kit lenses?
Panasonic quotes approximately 370 still photographs under conventional CIPA testing with the specified 20–60mm and 50mm lenses. Other testing modes produce different figures, and real-world video runtime depends on recording format, temperature, display operation and accessory use.
Can both kit lenses use the same screw-in filter size?
Yes. Both supplied optics accept 67mm screw-in filters. Compatibility with a particular filter type or lens hood still depends on the individual lens and the thickness or design of the accessory.
Is the Panasonic Lumix S5 II suitable for high-resolution product photography?
Yes, for stationary subjects under controlled conditions. The standard sensor captures 24.2MP photographs, and the High Resolution mode combines multiple captures into a 96MP output. Subject motion can introduce artefacts in the combined file, and specialised close-up magnification may require a macro lens.
Can the Lumix S5 II record continuously for long video sessions?
The cooling fan supports long-duration recording in designated modes, but actual duration is limited by available power, card capacity, ambient conditions and thermal settings. A statement of unrestricted recording in supported conditions should not be read as a guarantee for every mode or environment.
Information about us and your order
Norwich Cameras is a brand owned by Neat Commerce Limited, a UK-registered company based in Poringland, Norfolk. Our roots in photography go back to 1995, when our founder’s family opened a camera shop in Attleborough, and we put that experience to work for our customers every day.
We’re happy to advise on any purchase, whether you’re choosing your first camera, comparing lenses, or building out a professional kit. Our UK team is available Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm, by phone or email, and we aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
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