Panasonic Details Lumix S5 IIx Raw Support Ahead of Release

pcmag.com:

Panasonic announced a pair of full-frame sequels to its entry-level S5 at CES 2023—the Lumix S55 II and the upgraded S5 IIx. The two cameras share most features in common, including: a stabilized 24MP full-frame sensor, phase detection focus, a superlative video toolkit, and compatibility with the L-mount lens system. But while the regular S5 II is limited to recording H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) video formats, the S5 IIx adds ProRes and Raw video support.

The S5 IIx costs a little bit more, around $2,200 to start versus $2,000 for the standard S5 II, but cinematographers and other video-first creators will find plenty of reason to spend a little bit more. ProRes is a much more efficient compression format than H.265; the practical upside is more room to edit color and exposure in post, something you'll want if you're looking to give your video a creative finish.

The S5 II is already shipping (you can read our full review for all the detail on its performance), and Panasonic was up front that the S5 IIx would come later; orders are set to start going out on May 31. At the time, we praised the decision to announce both cameras simultaneously, especially given their proximity in price; it put the decision to get an S5 II or wait for an S5 IIx in the hands of the customer.

We already know the S5 IIx support Apple ProRes 422 recording with one additional accessory, a fast USB-C SSD, as its SDXC memory card format isn't fast enough to handle the high bit rate footage. Today we find out that the Raw support extends beyond the already-announced ProRes Raw. The S5 Iix is also getting Blackmagic Raw, which is good news for editors who work in DaVinci Resolve. Raw video requires an external recorder, an Atomos for ProRes Raw or