Panasonic GH5S Field Test Part II: There is simply no better filmmaking camera under $10K

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posted Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 12:40 PM EST

Click here to read the Panasonic GH5S Field Test Part II

Every time I see the price point of Panasonic GH cameras, I still shake my head in disbelief. At $2500 for the GH5S, you're getting a monumentally powerful filmmaking tool that performs well above the average, even when going beyond the $10,000 price point. Under $10,000? There is no competition, especially considering the value. With a plethora of capture options, 4K at 60 frames per second (and 1080p up to 240 frames per second), VLog and incredible ISO performance even when compared to full frame options, the GH5S is absolutely punching above its weight. It's a shame that most who don't already trust Panasonic for video won't pay attention to this little camera thanks to its 10-megapixel Micro Four Thirds specifications. For those who don't, you're seriously missing out.

In this second field test with the Panasonic GH5S, I do my best to demonstrate the camera's performance in both very low light and ideal lighting conditions so that you can get a solid grasp of what the camera is capable of producing when it comes to video. Knowing that this is 95% video camera and 5% still camera, it's form factor and GH designation (which to this point have been hybrid cameras) really need to be disregarded, and a focus instead needs to be placed on what it can do with its magnificent little sensor.

Comparing GH5S ISO 6400 VLog footage straight out of camera (left) to graded (right).

As this is by far a video camera, the Field Test is both in YouTube video form as well as written out, but to get the best feel for the points I am trying to make I urge you to watch the video, in 4K if you can. I promise you, it's worth seeing what this camera can do at its best.