Here is the recap of a recent interview with Panasonic executives:
The reason why the successor to the "S5" came out before the "S1" was to strengthen the middle zone in the full-size market
While the overall camera market is shrinking, demand for full-frame cameras has been extremely strong. There are many customers in the area of entry-level to mid-range models, and an increasing number of smartphone users are jumping into the full-size market.
The first generation "S5" will be sold together at an affordable price. By widening the frontage, we would like to firmly capture the fans, so we introduced the "S5II / S5IIx" early.
The price difference between the two machines is less than 30,000 yen, but two models are available to meet needs rather than being combined into one.
In the camera market, Panasonic as well as its competitors are stepping up their video performance. But is that what you are looking for? That is our question, and we believe that our major mission this time is to deliver this model to customers who want to enjoy photography or enjoy creating works more lightly.
There is a way to raise the price a little with everything in full swing, but I think that by making a solid investment in the more affordable "S5II", the needs of customers will be somewhat divided, such as users who want video performance, users who are attracted to design, etc. Although the price difference is a little exquisite, we would like more customers to get their hands on it by developing two lines.
Gizmomo freaks has posted the estimated market price in Japan in the commentary column of the video.
Pre-orders for "S5II / S5IIx" in Japan will start on January 7th. Although the selling price of each mass retailer is not yet known, by the way, reservations for "S5II" have already been accepted overseas, and B&H 's selling price is $ 1,997.
Image processing engine jointly invested by Panasonic and Leica
"L2 Technology" is jointly invested, jointly developed and jointly marketed with Leica.
Background to adoption of focal plane phase detection AF
We have so far adopted contrast AF for "image quality" (priority). For image plane phase difference AF, it is necessary to embed a sensor for distance measurement in the sensor, and since color information and luminance information cannot be obtained from the embedded location, the image processing engine must compensate for it, and Panasonic is the best in photography and video. The important thing is the image quality, which cannot be compromised. That becomes our philosophy.
Conventional image processing engine technology has not been able to guarantee image quality that satisfies us. Thanks to the major evolution of the image processing engine, this is the first time that even with our strict image quality standards, we have achieved a very large evolution in terms of filling in the distance measurement sensor and correcting it. .
We don't mean to say that we have simply installed focal plane phase detection AF, but we want to deliver solid image quality to our customers. In addition, this time I would like to tell you that you can use image plane phase detection AF while maintaining good image quality.
The processing speed of the image processing engine is twice as fast as "S5", and the buffer memory is four times faster
The image processing engine is twice as fast as the "S5" and has four times the buffer memory, making it a camera with a lot of room for processing. The point is that the camera can determine the optimum AF and capture the focus without difficulty.
The optimal solution for camera shake correction is natural camera shake
The camera should be able to intelligently recognize the situation and perform optimal image stabilization. Until now, he had set the upper limits of the X, Y, and R (rotation) axes, but this time, the maximum control will be especially effective for walking shots.
It is justice if the camera shake correction stops for photos, but it is not justice for videos. The point is to move naturally without jerking with bread, etc., and what we are conscious of is very natural camera shake. (recap by dclife)
DC.watch also published an interview with Panasonic executives (translated).
Via DIYphotography
