Panasonic LUMIX S5IIX Full Frame Mirrorless Camera, 6K/4K 10-bit Unlimited Recording, Phase Hybrid AF, Apple ProRes RAW & BRAW via HDMI, USB-SSD Recording, 5-Axis Dual I.S. - Body only

This camera is amazing, it’s way above my abilities at the moment but I’m learning fast. I own a couple of decent Sony cameras, one is a low level DSLR but this one is on a whole different level and is the first mirrorless camera I’ve owned. The instruction manual is huge but very comprehensive and easy to find your way around. Unfortunately it’s not a printed copy, it can be downloaded but it’s too big to print off. I do prefer to read something on paper rather than a screen but online does allow you to easily find the section you need.It’s a very substantial sturdy camera but not so heavy that you can’t carry it around. I am a bit scared of dropping it so at the moment it’s either around my neck or on a tripod, a case is on order. The battery life is second to none, I charged it initially and throughout testing it’s not needed recharging and still shows 2 bars.Using the manual, I’ve been able to take a few better than decent photos, make adjustments and generally play around with the settings. The auto focus is my go to setting for now but as I understand the dials and settings more that will change. The screen and view finder give a beautifully clear image of the picture you’re about to take. I find the way the rear screen moves and rotates is very useful.The picture quality is amazing, better than anything I’ve taken on my other cameras. The depth of image really shows almost making some appear 3D. I love the little square in the view finder that allows you to focus in on certain areas or open it up to the whole screen. It’s the first time I’ve managed to blur everything other than the focal point. I’ve found all the dials and controls I’ve used to be very responsive.There is an option to add a flash but I’ve been so impressed with the low light level photos I’ve taken I won’t be purchasing one.I’ve not done much with the video function other than to make sure it works, to be honest I’ve not used that function much in previous cameras so I’m not sure I’ll get much use with this one either I’m more of a stills person. It is very easy though to move from still photography to video recording.As I’ve only used Sony cameras in the past this is taking a bit of getting used to but I have to say it does without doubt produce the best images I’ve ever shot.

I don’t really have the same basis of comparison as some of the other reviewers, who seem to have significant experience of using higher-end cameras. This is the first camera I have ever owned that was priced at more than a few hundred pounds (hitherto the top end of cameras I have owned have been a Sony NEX-5R and a Fujifilm X-A10), so for me it’s a completely different experience.The set came in a brown box, with the lens in its own separate white box packaging and the camera in a retail box. The camera certainly feels like more camera than I’ve ever owned before. The finish is beautiful- smart, subtle (even the Lumix brand and model number are in black), and understated. The metal body is lightly textured and feels good to hold.The camera is not stupidly heavy, but still feels reassuringly solid. It’s well balanced for either one- or two-handed use, though in fairness at the moment I’m tending to stick to two hands or a tripod as this is one of the most expensive things I’ve ever owned (landing squarely between the barbecue hut and the greenhouse) and it makes me nervous.The image quality from this is spectacular. I received the set with the fixed 50mm lens, and am really enjoying playing about with settings to learn what I can do with my camera. This also has a generally excellent auto function, so that it can be handed to anyone to use (including me!), and should still generate reasonable pictures. Compatible with any lens using the Leica L-mount system. The lens takes 67mm thread filters.Video quality from this is superb. I’d been thinking about creating some hobbyist YouTube videos, and this has me convinced. This has excellent tracking, so is great for activity videos - I’ve filmed a couple following my nephews and the dog when they’re playing in the garden. The inbuilt microphone is decent enough to get started with, but I think I will want a separate mic.Images accompanying my review show the camera (in a Smallrig Black Mamba cage kit) as well as some of the test images I’ve taken with it. Daylight shots are all unfiltered. Nighttime shots have a Neewer 100x100mm natural night square filter.