Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Mirrorless Camera Body

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II Camera Body Summary

Building on the huge success of the first iteration comes the newly updated Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II camera body. This micro four thirds mirrorless camera is capable of capturing professional C4K /4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit unlimited video and can simultaneously output 4K 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI. You can also wirelessly livestream via the LUMIX Sync smartphone app or by connecting directly to a Wi-Fi router. A future firmware update will also add RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming providing a number of social media streaming options.

The Venus image processor has been updated processing 20.3 megapixel images from the live MOS Sensor with AR (Anti-Reflective) coating. Body stabilisation (I.S.) has been improved utilising the latest algorithms from the S1H camera and now provides 6.5 stops of compensation for smooth video. Topping off a list of updates for the GH5 Mark II comes an updated free-angle touchscreen LCD screen with better colours and brighter luminosity.

Features at a glance

• C4K 4K/60p 4:2:0 10-bit unlimited video recording with simultaneous 4K 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI
• Wireless live streaming in FHD/60p via the LUMIX Sync smartphone app
• 20.3 Megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with AR (Anti-Reflective) coating
• Updated Venus Engine imaging processor
• Body image stabilisation with 6.5-stops compensation
• Updated fully articulating 3-inch Touch control LCD with 1840K dots
• Improved AF with Auto Detection Face Eye Body Animal Tracking
• Dual card slots
• USB-C charging
• Down to -18db when recording audio

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 M2 MFT Mirrorless Camera in More Detail

Content Creator Hybrid Camera

As with all Panasonic Lumix cameras the GH5 M2 is designed for content creators. To this end it features a fully articulating high resolution touch control LCD 20.3 Megapixel micro four thirds sensor simple live streaming with minimal equipment as well as numerous video recording options. Upcoming firmware updates will deliver users free of charge updates for RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming USB Tethering and more.

High quality video performance

Professional videographers raved about the previous GH5 model and the updated GH5 mark II is set to continue this trend. The entire sensor is used when shooting video  enabling the user to record uncropped video from the original viewing angle of the lens. Numerous recording options offer internal recording up to 4K 60p and 4:2:2 10-bit 30p or 4K/6K Anamorphic modes.

V-Log L comes pre-installed making it easy to match colour tones with footage recorded in other Lumix cameras. There are 35 compatible conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras available for free download for this who prefer to have a starting point for colour grading. A Waveform Monitor and V-Log View Assist are part of the GH5M2’s on-board video toolkit.

The Photo Style menu provides two Cine-like gamma presets with warm skin tones and delicate luminosity nuances without colour grading over V-Log footage.

AF can be set before starting VFR recording in C4K/4K 60fps Anamorphic 50fps and FHD 180fps.

Wireless live streaming

All you need is a smartphone with the  LUMIX Sync app for wireless live-streaming with the GH5 Mark II. A maximum resolution/frame rate of FHD/60p at 16Mbps is supported using the H.264 codec. For wired live streaming the dedicated LUMIX Webcam Software is available for free download. See our blog post here about How to use a camera for live streaming which also has links to Panasonic’s downloads.

Durable design for professional use

The Lumix GH5M2 has a full die-cast front and rear frame made of magnesium alloy and the body is splash dust and freeze resistant down to -10C degrees. The shutter unit provides a durable lifespan of approximately 200000 cycles.

The updated camera uses the new high-capacity 2200mAh battery DMW-BLK22 that complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) and can be recharged via AC or USB. The camera is also equipped with a double SD memory card slot compatible with V90-classified high-speed high-capacity UHS-II cards for Relay Backup and Allocation Recording.

Huge Micro Four Thirds Ecosystem

With Panasonic’s release of several excellent full frame cameras some users voiced concern about the micro four thirds ecosystem. The mark II camera reinforces commitment to the MFT system and we carry around 100 micro four thirds lenses from several manufacturers to support new cameras. The body can also be purchased with Leica and Lumix lenses in two kits as the GH5 M2 Camera With Leica DG 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Lens and GH5 M2 With Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Lens.

Hybrid photography capabilities

Whilst the GH5 mark II will inevitably be used predominantly for video and live streams Panasonic has made sure photographers won’t be disappointed by the camera’s capabilities. It includes 4K and 6K photos at up to a blistering 60fps (or 12fps in mechanical shutter) easily fast enough for any action. A contrast based AF system includes Face Eye Body Animal detection with Full area touch available. The OLED Live View Finder with 3.68 million dots is bright and clear with either 120fps or 60fps refresh rates and of course we have Bluetooth and WiFi for sharing.

You can get more info in our in-depth review with more sample images and video of the Lumix GH5 M2 here.

What’s in the box

• Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 M2 camera body
• Shoulder Strap
• Battery Pack
• Battery Charger
• AC Adaptor
• USB Connection Cable (A-C)
• Cable Holder

Optional Accessories

• Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 - plug-in adaptor for XLR microphones for recording high-resolution 96kHz/24bit stereo sound
• Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro SDHC 300MB/s UHS-II SD memory card - fast enough to keep pace with 4K/60 and high frame rates
• Atomos Ninja V 4K recorder - 4K/60 10bit HDR video direct from your camera's sensor

Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2 Camera Sample images

All images ©Matthew Sutherland

DC-GH5M2 with LUMIX G VARIO 12-32 F3.5-5.6. Settings: 1/1250. f/16. ISO 400

DC-GH5M2 with LEICA DG 10-25 F1.7. Settings: 1/2500. f/6.3. ISO 200

DC-GH5M2 with LUMIX G VARIO 12-32 F3.5-5.6. Settings: 5 seconds. f/2.8. ISO 100

DC-GH5M2 with LEICA DG 10-25 F1.7. Settings: 1/8000. f/1.7. ISO 200