The Panasonic S5 IIx features a dual SD card slot configuration that supports UHS-II V90 cards.
The S5IIx has a maximum internal recording bitrate of 600Mb/s and requires the fastest v90 cards.
You can record 800Mbps or ProRes to an external SSD via USB-C.
The max capacity supported for an internal memory card is 512GB.
Photographers looking to clear the buffer quickly, especially when bursting at 30fps with 24.2MP, will benefit from the improved speeds of V90 cards, and videographers looking to record in higher bitrates will also need a v90 card.
However, lower bitrates at 4k will still take advantage of the dual gain output sensor and 4k files will also deliver 4:2:2. Meaning, you will still get a lot of advantages with this camera recording at 4k 4:2:2 at 200Mbps allowing you to use V30 or V60 cards which offer some pretty significant cost saves.
Recommended SD Cards For Panasonic S5 IIX
Here are some of the best memory cards for the Panasonic S5IIx. The V90 is the fastest memory card you can buy for this camera, but V60 cards are also great for lower-bitrate video recording.
Recommended SD Cards | USB-C Write | USB-C Read | Check Stores |
SD UHS-II V90 | |||
Lexar 2000x V90 32-256GB | 228 MB/s | 256 MB/s | Check Price |
Sony G Tough v90 32-256GB | 258 MB/s | 296 MB/s | Check Price |
Delkin Black v90 64/128/256GB | 253 MB/s | 278 MB/s | Check Price |
ProGrade V90 64-512GB | 229 MB/s | 270 MB/s | Check Price |
SD UHS-II V60 | |||
Sandisk Extreme Pro v60 256/512/1TB | 189 MB/s | 279 MB/s | Check Price |
Lexar 1800x V60 64-512GB | 188 MB/s | 255 MB/s | Check Price |
Sony M Tough V60 64-512GB | 153 MB/s | 269 MB/s | Check Price |
Sony E v60 256GB | 142 MB/s | 252 MB/s | Check Price |
PNY EliteX-Pro60 V60 512GB | 180 MB/s | 278 MB/s | Check Price |
SSD and USB-C Recording Solutions
If you don’t want to go with the HDMI Ninja V setup for the 12-bit ProResRAW, you can go with a solution by Kondor which has a USB-C handle that takes the Sandisk SSD Cartridges.
Kondor Blue Blade SSD Handle
Available At: B&H
This solution allows you to effortlessly use an M.2 Sandisk Cartridge with a USB-C interface. USB-C is limited to 10-bit on this camera, but, this is a very practical way of getting ProRes 10-bit recordings.
Kondor Blue Camera Cage FOr Panasonic S5 II X
Available At: B&H
The Kondor cage system is fully featured and allows you to equip the Blue-Blade SSD Handle seamlessly.
It can be ordered in Grey or Black.
Panasonic S5 IIx Capacity
What is the maximum capacity of SD cards that can be used with the Panasonic S5 IIx?
The official Panasonic S5M2 user manual lists 512GB as the maximum size that the camera will support.
Here is a link to the Panasonic S5IIx User Manual.
Panasonic S5 IIx Camera Specs
Sensor Size: 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor |
Panasonic S5 IIx What Size Card To Buy?
If you’re into photography with some light video use, I suggest starting off with a 128GB card. But if high-bitrate video is your main focus, consider stepping up to a 256GB card or going with the max 512GB card.
When dealing with high-capacity V90 memory cards for video recording you should compare the prices against an SSD even if you’re only recording H.265, as you could potentially find some significant cost savings by going external, if you’re already set up in a camera cage.
Panasonic S5 IIx Recording Specs & Details
Audio File Format: 16-bit 48 kHz AAC, 24-bit 48 kHz Linear PCM
Record Limits
This image is from the user manual.
Panasonic S5 IIx Record Times – Memory Card Capacity
The below table illustrates various recording modes and their corresponding time usage on different card sizes. If you want personalized figures, check out the bitrate-to-time converter.
Panasonic S5 IIx Record Times | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
4k | ||||
600Mbps | 75MB/s | 14min | 28Min | 57min | 114min |
200Mbps | 25Mb/s | 43min | 85min | 171min | 341min |
150Mbps | 18.75MB/s | 57min | 114min | 288min | 455min |
Best SD Cards Panasonic S5 IIx | Conclusions
The Panasonic S5 IIx is a stellar camera, and pairing it with the right SD cards can yield exceptional results. Sony, Lexar, or Delkin provide reliable 128GB UHS-II SD cards that seamlessly complement the Panasonic S5 IIx.
Keep in mind, that you are only required to have a card better than the v30 rating if you’re using the bitrates above 200Mbps or if you’re doing a lot of continuous bursting in photo mode and want to clear the buffer quickly. In those situations, you’ll likely want to find the fastest SD memory card for the Panasonic S5IIx. And you may need two of them for redundancy.
For everyday photography or casual video, opting for v60 cards can offer substantial cost savings, providing great value for your money with this camera.
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