I Wish I knew THIS Before Buying a Lumix

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses their experience using the Lumix S5 II camera, addressing both its strengths and flaws. While they appreciate its image quality, durability, and ease of use, they point out issues such as slow processing times and app connectivity problems. The creator highlights how some features could be improved, like slow motion crop and button quality, but ultimately remains loyal to Lumix due to its impressive V-Log image and color grading. They also share their thoughts on potential future improvements for Lumix cameras, comparing them to Sony models.

Takeaways

• 📸 The speaker expresses frustration with their current camera and considers switching to a new model, though they still appreciate the camera's features.
• 🛠️ The Lumix S5 Mark II has issues with slow startup, recording delays, and slow writing speeds, which frustrates the speaker when filming live events.
• 📱 The camera app is unreliable, often losing connection or being slow to connect, especially when used outdoors.
• 🎥 Slow motion filming on the Lumix S5 Mark II results in a crop, which limits framing options, but the speaker acknowledges they don't use slow-mo often.
• 🔊 The Lumix S5 Mark II records two audio tracks by default, requiring extra steps in editing to mute one track, which the speaker finds inefficient.
• 👎 Lumix lenses, though high-quality, can appear cheap and plasticky, which could deter buyers used to more premium-looking lenses from other brands.
• 🔄 The speaker praises the Lumix S5 Mark II's image quality, color grading, and dynamic range, stating that they prefer it over some higher-end cinema cameras.
• 🗂️ The simplicity of Lumix's V-Log picture profile appeals to the speaker, as it eliminates the need to navigate through numerous settings and combinations found in other brands.
• 🔧 The speaker desires future Lumix cameras to include more premium features, like better slow motion, improved design, and a mini cinema camera body for video-centric users.
• 🎬 The speaker remains loyal to Lumix despite its flaws, highlighting the brand's ease of use, durability, and reliable image quality, but suggests improvements to compete with Sony and other brands.

Q & A

What brand and model is the speaker using for their camera?

The speaker is using a Lumix S5 Mark II camera.

What are some of the main issues the speaker has with the Lumix S5 Mark II?

The speaker mentions several issues, including slow startup, lag when pressing record or stop, delays in writing to the memory card, and unreliable app connectivity.

How does the speaker feel about the app used to control the camera?

The speaker finds the app useful but frustrating due to its slow and unreliable connection, especially when used outdoors. They suggest the app needs to be more stable for it to be effective.

What does the speaker suggest Lumix should improve in their next camera model?

The speaker suggests improving the speed of the camera's system (start-up, recording, and writing times) and making the app more reliable. They also mention the potential for full-frame slow motion and a more premium feel for the lenses.

What is the speaker’s opinion on the build quality of the Lumix lenses?

The speaker praises the image quality of the Lumix lenses but thinks they look and feel a bit cheap and plasticky compared to other brands like Canon and Sony.

Why does the speaker prefer using the Lumix S5 Mark II despite its issues?

The speaker continues to use the Lumix S5 Mark II because of its image quality, dynamic range, ease of use, and the V-Log profile, which provides consistent image results.

What specific feature does the speaker wish Lumix would include in their future cameras?

The speaker would like to see a more video-centric camera with features like full-frame slow-motion, a mini cinema camera body with a handle, built-in variable ND filters, and a more premium feel.

How does the speaker compare the Lumix S5 Mark II to other brands like Sony?

The speaker acknowledges that while the Lumix S5 Mark II is durable and has excellent image quality, Sony cameras, such as the FX3 and FX30, feel more premium in terms of design and button quality.

What is the speaker’s experience with the Lumix app when taking thumbnail photos?

The speaker finds it frustrating because the app frequently disconnects when they try to take thumbnail photos, which should only take a few seconds.

Why does the speaker prefer a simpler camera menu system like the one on the Lumix S5 Mark II?

The speaker appreciates the simplicity of the Lumix menu system because it avoids overcomplicating options like picture and log profiles, allowing them to focus on filming rather than on settings.

Outlines

00:00

📷 Switching to a New Camera: Should I Make the Jump?

The speaker shares their frustration with their current camera, Lumix S5 II, despite still using it frequently. They address common misconceptions about being sponsored by Lumix, explaining they receive test cameras but are not paid for reviews. The speaker plans to highlight six issues with the Lumix S5 II while acknowledging that no camera is perfect. They also engage viewers by asking if they believe the perfect camera exists and what that might be, while emphasizing the Lumix S5 II's suitability for their needs. Finally, they hint at potential improvements they’d like to see in future Lumix models.

05:00

🐢 Slow Startup and Recording Delays: A Major Issue

One major complaint the speaker has with the Lumix S5 II is its slow startup, especially when recording video. Even with high-speed memory cards, the camera lags when switching on, starting, and stopping recordings. This delay causes frustration when trying to film quickly or capture spontaneous moments. The speaker expresses a strong desire for faster system performance, emphasizing that even incremental upgrades would make the camera significantly better.

10:02

📱 The Inconsistent App Experience

The speaker discusses the inconsistent performance of Lumix’s camera app, which allows remote control of the camera from a smartphone. While the app works well indoors, it often loses connection outdoors, causing significant frustration. Although the speaker acknowledges similar issues with other camera brands’ apps, they hope Lumix will update this feature for improved stability and reliability, as it would be a significant asset, especially for solo creators like themselves.

🏃‍♂️ Slow-Motion Shortcomings: Cropped Frame Issues

When discussing the camera’s slow-motion capabilities, the speaker points out that the 50 frames-per-second mode applies a crop to the image, limiting the field of view. While this doesn't bother them much, it can be problematic in tight spaces, where moving further away from the subject isn’t an option. The speaker suggests that a full-frame slow-motion mode would attract more users, particularly those considering switching from Sony cameras.

🎙️ The Annoying Extra Audio Track

The Lumix S5 II records two audio tracks by default, which can cause issues in post-production. The speaker explains that they must mute one track every time they edit to avoid audio clipping. Though this is a minor inconvenience, they hope for a simple fix in future updates. Aside from that, the speaker praises the image quality of Lumix lenses, despite their plasticky appearance, noting that they are durable and offer excellent image quality at affordable prices.

🛠️ The Need for More Premium Features

The speaker contrasts Lumix cameras with Sony models, noting that while Lumix cameras are durable, they lack the premium feel of Sony’s FX series. They express a desire for more premium features, like better buttons and dials, as these elements affect comfort and inspiration when using the camera daily. They also stress that while it’s tempting to switch to a camera that feels better, the final image quality is ultimately more important, which is why they remain loyal to Lumix.

🎥 Vlog and Simplicity: The Strength of Lumix

The speaker highlights the simplicity of Lumix’s Vlog profile, which offers ease of use and high image quality. Unlike Sony cameras with a multitude of picture and log profiles, Lumix keeps things simple by offering just one, which reduces decision fatigue and allows users to focus more on their skills than on technical settings. The speaker praises this simplicity, emphasizing its importance for those who want to quickly pick up a camera and start filming.

🎞️ Dreaming of Future Lumix Cameras

Looking to the future, the speaker outlines their hopes for new Lumix models, suggesting features that could rival Sony’s FX series. They wish for a more video-centric camera with additional slow-motion capabilities, more premium-feeling dials, and possibly built-in ND filters. These enhancements would help Lumix compete better with Sony’s video-oriented offerings while maintaining Lumix’s strong reputation for excellent image quality.

📸 What’s Your Favorite Camera?

The speaker wraps up by engaging the audience, asking them to share their favorite camera and why they prefer it. They also mention their own thoughts about switching to Sony but emphasize how Lumix’s image quality keeps them loyal. They encourage viewers to check out another video on their current setup with the DJI Lidar Focus Pro system before signing off, creating a smooth transition to the next piece of content.

Keywords

💡Lumix S5II

The Lumix S5II is a camera that the speaker uses and discusses in detail throughout the video. It represents an 'almost perfect' camera in their opinion, praised for its image quality and features like V-Log. The speaker also points out several areas of improvement that Lumix could address, such as slow startup times and minor issues with handling.

💡Slow Performance

One of the speaker's main complaints about the Lumix S5II is its slow performance. They describe how the camera can be slow to power on, record, and write to the memory card, which impacts its usability in fast-paced filming environments. The speaker advocates for a faster system to improve efficiency.

💡App Connectivity

The camera’s app, which allows users to control the camera remotely from their phone, is another point of frustration. While the app is useful for tasks like changing settings and taking thumbnail photos, it often disconnects or works slower outdoors, hindering its reliability.

💡V-Log

V-Log is a picture profile that the speaker highly praises in the Lumix cameras. It simplifies post-production, providing excellent dynamic range and ease of color grading, making it an ideal choice for videographers looking for a consistent and cinematic look without overwhelming customization options.

💡Slow Motion Crop

The speaker notes that when filming in slow motion at 50 frames per second, the camera applies a crop, reducing the field of view. Although this does not bother the speaker personally, they recognize that it could be a disadvantage in tight filming spaces or for users expecting a full-frame slow-motion feature.

💡Lens Quality

The speaker appreciates the image quality of Lumix lenses but comments on their 'plasticky' feel, which might give the impression that they are of lower quality compared to other brands like Canon or Sony. Despite this, they highlight the durability and functionality of these lenses, especially when used with gimbals due to their uniform size and weight.

💡FX3 and FX30 Rival

The speaker expresses interest in seeing Lumix create a camera that competes with the Sony FX3 and FX30. These cameras are praised for their premium build and features, which the speaker would like to see matched by Lumix with improved dials, buttons, and possibly a mini cinema body.

💡Dual Audio Tracks

An issue the speaker faces with the Lumix S5II is the automatic recording of two audio tracks, which results in time-consuming post-production work where one track needs to be manually muted. They hope for a simple fix to streamline this process.

💡Cinema Cameras

Throughout the video, the speaker compares the Lumix S5II with higher-end cinema cameras, mentioning that despite the Lumix's lower price point, its ease of use, image quality, and V-Log profile make it comparable to those more expensive systems for videographers looking for an all-in-one solution.

💡Usability and Inspiration

The speaker emphasizes how the physical feel and usability of a camera can inspire users to shoot more. They note that while Lumix cameras are functional and durable, Sony models like the FX3 feel more premium, which could inspire more creativity and enjoyment during use. This highlights the importance of both usability and quality in choosing the right camera.

Highlights

I often get hate in the comments because people think I'm sponsored by Lumix, but that's not true. I just love the camera despite some flaws.

In this video, I want to discuss the six things I don't like about this camera, but why I still use it despite those issues.

The perfect camera doesn't exist, and it's okay to have things that bug you. Let me know in the comments if you think a perfect camera exists.

One issue is that the camera can be slow to turn on and record. Even with fast memory cards, there’s a delay in writing to the memory card, slowing down the workflow.

Lumix should focus on fixing these small issues in their next camera model rather than overhauling the entire system.

The app for controlling the camera remotely is a godsend when it works, but it’s unreliable and often disconnects, especially outdoors.

Many people rely on the 50 frames per second slow motion mode, but it has a crop that limits the field of view.

The camera records two audio tracks by default, which means I have to mute one track in the editor every time to avoid audio clipping.

Lumix lenses, while high quality in terms of image, can look and feel plasticky compared to competitors like Sony and Canon.

While Lumix lenses perform well, their appearance may put off more premium-oriented users who judge by the look and feel of the gear.

I briefly considered switching to the Sony FX30 because of its premium feel and design, but ultimately I realized the image quality is what matters most.

The simplicity of Lumix’s Vlog profile makes it a standout feature, unlike other brands that offer multiple log profiles, which can be confusing.

I would love to see Lumix bring out an FX3 or FX30 rival with more video-centric features and a mini cinema camera body.

Lumix has great image quality and video features, but they need to step up with more premium camera bodies and features to compete with Sony.

If Lumix introduced features like built-in variable ND filters and a more premium design, they could easily compete with the top brands.

What is your favorite camera and why? Let me know in the comments. Have you ever thought about switching, and what made you stay or change?

Transcripts

oh my God this is a really nice camera

maybe I should switch not going to lie

I've wanted to throw it out the window a

few times I am going to get a lot of

hate in the comments I can feel it

people think that I'm sponsored by Lumix

and that they pay me to say nice things

about them they don't it's not true yes

they send me cameras to test but they do

not tell me what videos to make or what

to say so in this video I want to

discuss the six things that I actually

don't like about this camera but why I

still continue to use it above

everything else despite those things

because it's a very interesting and

important discussion to have I think and

let's face it the perfect camera doesn't

exist so it's natural to have things

that bug you or bother you or that you'd

like to change about what camera you

have and I'm more than happy to admit

that so do you think the perfect camera

exists let me know in the comments if if

you do let me know what it is and why

but for me the Lumix s52 is my almost

perfect camera I'm also going to tell

you what I think Lumix should do or what

they should bring out or at least what

I'd really like to see in the next few

years for Lumix but let me start by

telling you about the things that really

me off about this camera and Mr or Mrs

Lumix if you're watching please fix

these little things they're only small

and if you could change just these few

little bits it' be epic and it' make it

the best camera that I've ever used and

I've used quite a lot of cameras so if

you're filming Live Events or anything

really it's important to work quickly

and smoothly you don't want anything

that stands in your way that's why a lot

of people use the iPhone because it's

intuitive it's fast to use it just works

and we want the same thing with a camera

we don't want anything to stand in our

way we don't want to miss any moment but

what I have found is I don't know if

it's the processor or what but sometimes

when I switch the camera on it's quite

slow to turn on when I press record it's

a little bit slow to start and then when

you stop recording it takes a few

seconds for it to write to the memory

card now I'm using the fastest memory

cards that you can can with this camera

there's a bit of a lag there sometimes

you want to start filming again

instantly once you've stopped to clip

and you press the record button and it's

still right into the memory card and it

slows you down that needs to change I

want to see a faster system I want to be

able to make changes quicker I want to

be able to start and stop recording

quicker to make sure that I don't miss

anything it's just a little bit slow I

know this is more affordable than a lot

of other cameras out there that you can

buy but that's one of the things that's

separating it from other system that

I've used I think rather see an update

or an upgrade in the next camera that

focuses on these issues rather than

something entirely new if we can just

fix this that's all we need as a

YouTuber I often film alone and take

thumbnail pictures as well and that's

difficult to do all by yourself and

having an app on your phone that

connects with the camera so that you can

control the camera is an absolute

godsend when it works when it works it

works great but when it doesn't it's a

pain in the body it's slow to connect it

loses connection sometimes it's it's

just unreliable that's the thing

sometimes it connects better indoors

than it does Outdoors you know most of

the time you want to be using that

outdoors I will be fair though I've used

other camera systems apps and it's the

same across the board and I've heard

other people talk about the apps they

never use them but it's a feature it's

available it just needs to be updated it

needs to be able to work because it's

great it's it's amazing when it works it

really helps I use it in a very simple

way I use it to change a few settings

start and stop recording or take photos

and that's it that's all it needs to do

I just want to establish a connection

with the camera I want it to be stable

and that's it we spend a bit of time

focusing on that getting that

right amazing not going to lie I've

wanted to throw it out the window a few

times cuz all I want to do is take a

couple of thumbnail photos that should

take a couple of seconds and then it's

Di in and out of connection and it's

it's frustrating now this feature I

rarely use but I know a lot of people do

and a lot of people rely on it most of

the time people use this mode and that

mode alone so the s52 does have 50

frames a second slow motion but there's

a crop so we're not getting that full

field of view anymore it doesn't bother

me but because there's a crop sometimes

you have to move back a little bit to

make sure that you've got the right

framing that you need when you haven't

got the space that can be tricky so it'

be nice if it was full frame but the

main reason for me is just to keep the

Sony fans quiet should we just should we

just be quiet about

it the thing is with slow-mo is people

feel like they have to use it and they

end up using it as a default it's almost

a bit of a cheat code so I don't know I

I don't ever miss it whatsoever maybe

there's a reason why there is a crop I

don't know much about technical stuff

but is it something to do with the

sensor the speeds I don't know is there

a compromise if it's fullframe I'm not

sure nonetheless if they had 120 frames

per second in here full frame and 50

full frame I think they'd see a lot of

people switching to this system over the

Sony's for example so when you film in

with the S5 Mark II I noticed that

there's two audio tracks instead of the

one so I find myself having to mute one

of the audio tracks so that it's not

duplicated and causing my audio to clip

it's not a big deal but every time I go

into the editor I have to mute that

track and it's just wastes a little bit

of time hopefully it's just a quick fix

and it's not a stereo thing I've gone

into the menus maybe I'm missing

something I don't know but that's just a

teeny tiny little thing the image

quality of the lenses are really really

nice especially for the price I love the

fact that all the prime lenses are the

same size and a very similar weight

because that means you don't have to

rebalance on a gimbal everything just

feels comfortable and natural because

there's there's no changes when you

switch lenses and they're extremely

welld designed as I said image quality

spectacular even the kit lens is really

nice however if you coming from Canon or

Sony for example you're going to notice

that the lenses look a little bit cheap

and feel a little bit plasticky and

because a lot of people buy with their

eyes it makes them feel like they're not

as premium as they are and that's

disappointing really because it's it's

not until you use these lenses and look

at the image that you realize how good

they are and it could put a lot of

people off I'd love to see a lens lineup

where it has a manual aperture ring as

well as the focus ring and just a little

bit more of a premium feel I think

having said this I've dropped these

cameras a few times and I've never once

broken one so you

know maybe maybe they are fine and this

is the thing the overall image quality

is good enough that I don't let the look

of those lenses me but when you show a

snobby other camera user these lenses

they turn the nose up at them a little

bit and they're like o that's cheap you

know just saying just saying using these

tools every day means that you want it

to be comfortable and also feel good to

use and that's going to do two things

it's going to make your job easier and

it's also going to make you feel a

little bit more inspired to pick the

camera up and go out and film and enjoy

it more so I was in wax the other other

day and I

was sorry Lumix you're going to hate me

but I picked up the fx30 I've messed

about with the fx3 a few times and they

feel like such nice cameras it's a

really premium feeling camera it's nice

to hold all the buttons and the dials

feel com like it premium basically they

are they're extremely welld designed and

the quality is Stella I must say it's

the nicest feeling camera of this size

in comparison you know I'm not saying

the Lumix is bad it's very wellmade it's

durable as I said I've dropped it a

bunch of times no damage luckily but

when it comes to the

dials they they feel fine but in

comparison to some of the newer Sony

cameras there is a difference there now

obviously it's not a deal break it's

really not for me but I know some people

think about that stuff personally when I

picked up the

fx3 it made me think oh my God this is a

really nice camera I maybe I should

switch maybe I should maybe I should get

a Sony but don't fear not because I

quickly realized don't just choose a

camera based on how it feels that's the

worst thing to do people are easily LED

down that path at the end of the day

it's how the image looks looks it's the

end product that counts yes the

usability and the feel of the camera

needs to be good if you're using it

every day but the end product is what

matters right and because the Lumix Vlog

image is everything I ever wanted from a

camera easy to color grade great dynamic

range it looks fantastic I've used Lumix

ever since because I love the image

every single time I put it into my

editor even over some of the higher end

Cinema cameras that I've used because

this has ease of use and IM quality and

colors and what I really like is you

know when you're first switching camera

systems it takes a little bit of time to

get used to the menus and that was what

I talked about in my first video I ever

made about Lumix but actually after a

few hours it made total sense and it's

easy to navigate in my opinion it's

intuitive but the best thing about it is

yeah you've got your standard picture

profiles but then you've got Vlog and

that's it there's no other combinations

there's no other pairings that you can

use you get a Lumix camera you get Vlog

it's that look that camera and that's

what you want when you buy a camera oh

that looks like a black magic that looks

like an a camera that looks like cannon

that looks like Lumix Sony you've got a

million different combinations of

picture profiles and log profiles and it

can cause a little bit of paralysis by

analysis you're not sure if the one

you've chosen is the right one you're

always going to be thinking oh maybe I

should use that one instead of focusing

on your skills so something with just

one thing in set it leave it go out and

film done I like it simplicity so this

is what I would love to see in the next

year or 2 with Lumix I'd like them to

bring out an fx3 rival and an fx30 rival

as well the S5 Mark I with a few more

video Centric features like slow motion

for the more video Centric people like

myself it's got all the monitoring

features on it that You' need love that

but maybe just in a mini Cinema Camera

body like the fx3 with a handle on it

that would be great I'd love that a more

premium feel with the dials and the

buttons and then maybe a slightly bigger

box camera like a black magic Ursa mini

or a Sony fx6 with the built-in variable

ND filters something like that it would

I feel like it would really I know Lumix

are known for like having really good

video features and image anyway but I

just feel like they just need to bump it

up to that next level to compete with

you know Sony let's just say lum

they've got the image they've got the

features just need to take it to that

next level I think lastly what is your

favorite camera and why let us know in

the comments I love hearing about what

people prefer to use and the reasons why

and have you ever thought about

switching and why or if you didn't why

didn't you by the way I've got a cool

little setup with the new DJI lidar

Focus Pro system and the Lumix S5

actually so if you want to see that

check that video out here until then and

and and if not you know I'll see you

I'll wait for you in the next one