Panasonic adds DJI Lidar AF support – but not PDAF – to the new Lumix S5D

Panasonic has made a rather odd camera announcement. Despite the Panasonic S5 Mark II being a thing since January 2023, almost two years later, they’ve announced a new variant of the original S5. It’s the S5D, and it appears to be identical to the original but with a new autofocus system.

Unfortunately, it’s not the phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) system that many might have expected. Instead, they’re adding support for DJI’s Lidar focus to the camera while retaining all of its former specifications.

Panasonic Lumix S5D

There’s not really all that much to say about the new Panasonic Lumix S5D that wasn’t already said with the S5 announcement in September 2020. It houses the same 24.2-megapixel sensor, with 4K video up to 60fps and 180fps in 1080p.

It has Dual Native ISO with a range from 100-51,200 (50-204,800 extended), and 5-axis sensor shift with up to 6.5 stops of stabilising power using Dual IS. It’s got the microphone input, the headphone output, the same size and resolution of EVF and flippy-out touchscreen display.

They’re essentially identical cameras, except for the addition of compatibility with DJI’s Lidar autofocus system. And if you’re not using DJI’s Lidar autofocus system, then they are, indeed, identical cameras.

It’s not a feature that many people will be rushing out to buy. It’s certainly not an upgrade for the vast majority of Lumix S5 owners. It’s just a new feature for those buying that model today. Whether they want it or not.

That being said, I’m surprised the original S5 was even a consideration for a tiny refresh like this. Given Panasonic’s popularity since they discovered PDAF, I’m surprised they’re not going all in on getting the rest of their lineup refreshed to add it quickly.

Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3

Alongside the new Lumix S5D, Panasonic has also announced a new lens. It’s the Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 full-frame L mount lens. With an 18-40mm focal length range on a full-frame sensor, this should make for a nice walkabout lens.

Whether you’re shooting landscapes, street photography or just vacation photos, you should be able to capture everything from wide sweeping vistas to street performers or indoor events with friends.

Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 Specs

Price and Availability

At the time of writing, only the UK price for the Panasonic S5D appears to have been released, standing at £1,399 for a kit including the new Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 lens or £1,799 for a kit including the Panasonic 28-200mm f/4-7.1 lens. US prices are expected to be announced soon with units shipping at the end of October.