What's the one thing you truly consider when investing money in equipment? While it may include spec, budget, future-proofing, workflow, or ergonomics, more often than not, it boils down to personal preference. Your opinion might have you saying, "I like the look of this lens" or "I like how this image makes me feel," and when you voice that opinion, manufacturers listen and try to create better filmmaking tools
When Panasonic crashed the market with the GH5, a mirrorless 4K camera capable of internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, shooters were generally happy. Albeit MFT, recent software updates provide ALL-Intra codec with bit rates of up to 400Mbps, higher resolution anamorphic shooting, HLG recording, and a slew of other features for under $2K. Conveniently, it also fits in the palm of your hand. And to think, it feels like yesterday that we were excited about the Sony DSR-PD150 and its 3-CCD 1/3-inch sensor.
The differences make determining your personal preference quite difficult, that is unless you can get your hands on both cameras. Caleb of DSLR Video Shooter was able to do just that and highlights the sensor functionality of the GH5 and GH5S in a rudimentary but easy way to comprehend. He suggests that each camera is designed for a specific type of filmmaker, with the GH5S being for shooters wanting to control the image stability of the sensor themselves and the GH5 ideal for those wanting a sensor that can control image stabilization, practically ideal for run-and-gun creators.
Still uncertain? There's plenty of solid information out there from DP Review, Kai W, Fstoppers, and Cinema5D. Let us know what you think of the GH5 and GH5S' capabilities in the comments below.
