Unboxing Lumix S-5 in 2023: My Surprising Upgrade Decision😁📸💪🏽

UPDATE: I’m using a fantastic and affordable smartphone tripod mount for night photography. Here’s my Amazon Associate link: https://amzn.to/3D8ofIM

I recently upgraded to the Lumix S5.

I’ve been eyeing this camera for over a year. Full-frame sensor; ridiculously affordable for the power.

This video’s primary view was filmed on the Lumix G7. It serves as my studio camera, because while it makes stellar video the G7 lacks in-body-stabilization.

The artsy images are made with the iPhone 14 Pro, rec. at 4K 60/fps or in Cinematic mode.

THIS VIDEO IS NOT SPONSORED.

So the Lumix S5 was on my radar. Then, I found a half-price sale that included a free lens valued at $500.

But why am I talking about my upgrade? Because my video work is growing exponentially.

Last week, I finished creating a short film series about a water restoration project atop Mount Graham, Safford, AZ.

I’ve worked Safford before. It’s a gorgeous and eclectic town I’d highly recommend visiting.

This short film project was made on the iPhone 14 Pro. I made great work with this video camera. However, the cam will overheat quite easily even in controlled temperatures.

When I found the S5 on sale for $1200, compared to its normal $1800, which included a 50mm 1.8/f lens I couldn’t believe my eyes. I wasn’t looking to upgrade but this deal combined with my current juncture told me to act.

Here’s the SPECS:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1743629-REG/panasonic_dc_s5miix_ff_mirrorless_camera.html/specs?origSearch=Lumix%20S5%20Specs&sts=red

My current short film project was born of happenstance. I was making street photos and bumped into a gent in need of a videographer. Months later I was hired on as director and director of photography. Big project. Awesome mission. Room for growth. Fantastic group of environmental activists and scientists.

And my relationship is just beginning.

After my first film for my water preservation documentary is complete, I get to switch gears and continue to create a collection of music videos for a favorite musician of mine. We met on IG because I tagged him on a Reel I made with his tune. I wanted the Lumix S5 to visualize a leg of footage in Nogales, Arizona y Sonora for this experimental project. After my current assignment was complete and I knew both of these opportunities are worth investing in, buying the Lumix S5 at half price was no decision.

While I haven’t taken the Lumix S5 out for a spin, the feel of this camera is defo professional.
I remember the first medium format film camera I purchased.
It’s a different sport.
And the S5’s natural, slick handle speaking to the upgrade. She’s sturdy but portable; rugged rigged for run-at-it cinema verde.

I’m not full pro.

Yet.

But I show up for my art every day.

Via strategy, keeping up with social media trends then challenging myself with client work, my camera is working when most people would tell me I need be sleeping.

And I’m convinced the Lumix S5 will only help me in my war with creative resistance.