I hope I am not the only one and that my choice makes sense to a few of you, but here is the thing. On the day before the highly anticipated Panasonic S5 Mk2 was launched, I bought a Mk1.
Here are my reasons, sound or not.
Extended video dynamic range, which is an area that can always be improved. This is nlikely to change with the new model.
Higher ISO performance, including for stills. Not a must and something I have always managed, but why not? Again, unlikely to change.
Continuous recording, which is the thing that started this journey. Same.
Battery life, to support that continuous recording. Etc.
Inproved base video quality out of the gate, which means 10-bit, 4k/1080, 4:2:0/4:2:2 and easily achieved without needing extreme measures. Unknown, but this is enough.
Value (third pricey thing I have bought for photography since November), with a lens it came in at $2000au, making it the best value hybrid full frame on the market, if it’s capabilities suit. Undoubtedly cheaper.
Stabilising. It is class leading for a full frame. Unknown, but unlikely to be vastly improved.
LOG profile. I use Natural or Standard for some stuff, Cine-D occasionally, but true LOG is a must ongoing. This is all I need. The S5 has full LOG, the GH5 and upgraded G9’s only the light version. Al. can go out to a device, but the S5 has a small HDMI connector, which may be upgraded as the majority do not like it.
Some semblance of consistency with my current work flow, especially if I am mixing formats. Same.
Looking at it realistically, the Mk1 is lauded as nearly the perfect semi-pro or pro hybrid except for mixed feelings on the AF, so a day does not change that drastically. The Mk2 may be the perfect pro-am tool, but second best is fine and I doubt I will trust AF for my needs (not a vlogger).
What is missing?
The new phase detect AF, which would be nice, but to be honest, there are work arounds for the DFD system and other options.
AF was not a driving priority of the camera purchase. I have come to terms with my demons here with other similar cameras (G9) and other options (EM1’s). I am not a vlogger, do not use AF for creative work and the DFD focussing of the G9’s has proven to be fine for things I need it for. My next lens was very nearly a MF 7Artisans 35 T1.5, so really, AF is a sideline for me for video.
The reality is you need to learn to manually focus.
The bigger reality is this;
I may never buy another MFT camera or lens………… .
Loosing sight of what I have believed for a while now?
I am not dropping the system, in fact I am anticipating a reassuring period of FF/MFT comparisons, but I have plenty, too much maybe*. Full frame gives me a new upgrade path if it is relevant, but there is no rush.
No, eyes still on the ball.
I guess my next camera will be a S5 Mk2 (maybe next year), then maybe a longer lens to round out the kit, or maybe not. The 50mm f1.8 S is next, a Smallrig mini matt box lite also, then I will see what the year brings.
I can even see a time where the Mk1 and the kit 20-60 are used in my day kit, replacing a G9 just for the better low light performance, with the Oly and telephoto combination.
Still hard to argue with a handy sized, AF responsive, pro-grade 840mm.
Sound is sorted, so is camera/lens/filtering and work flow. I just need practice and clients to produce for.
*The luxury of a pro grade daily work kit, specialist sports kit, studio outfit and dedicated video kit with a little put aside for personal projects and backup.