Testing the Panasonic Lumix S5IIX AI Autofocus: A Game-Changer for Airplane Spotters? ✈️ 🎥

May 20

🎥 Firmware updates can be boring, but not with Panasonic's LUMIX camera system. These updates excite users by introducing features without needing to buy new cameras. The latest update for the Lumix S5IIX promises revolutionary AI-powered autofocus enhancements. As an aviation enthusiast and filmmaker, I tested it at Zurich Airport, one of Europe’s iconic spotting hubs. Here’s how effectively the camera detects and focuses on airplanes, particularly against the challenging gray shades of clouds and white aircraft

Watch the full video

The Mission: Can AI Autofocus Keep Up with Aviation? ✈️

Airplane spotting demands precision. Subjects move fast, lighting shifts unpredictably, and backgrounds (like clouds or hazy skies) often clash with an aircraft’s colors. To up the ante, I filmed in V-Log format, which flattens the image for color grading but removes visual crutches like contrast, making focus tracking even harder.

⚙️ Gear Used:

Camera: Panasonic Lumix S5IIX (Firmware DC-S5M2X v2.2)
Lens: Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8
Location: Zurich Airport, near Runways 14/16 (a hotspot for arrivals).

Field Test:
As planes appeared on the horizon, they started as mere specks against Zurich’s signature overcast skies. Here’s how the S5IIX performed:

Initial Detection:
The AI system identified the plane almost instantly, even when it occupied less than 5% of the frame. The autofocus box “snapped” onto the aircraft like a magnet—no manual nudging required.
Tracking Under Pressure:
As the plane grew closer, the system maintained a rock-solid lock.
V-Log’s Hidden Challenge:
Shooting in V-Log meant the camera had fewer visual cues to work with, yet the AI adapted seamlessly.

Why This Matters: AI as a Creative Partner
The S5IIX’s performance isn’t just about speed—it’s about redefining possibilities. AI isn’t replacing the videographer; it’s enabling us to focus on composition, storytelling, and timing. For spotters, this means:

Capturing split-second moments
Shooting confidently in challenging light
Reducing post-production fixes thanks to reliable in-camera accuracy

A Nod to Panasonic’s Engineers
This firmware update demonstrates that innovation doesn’t always require new hardware. By refining software, Panasonic extends the lifespan of existing equipment—a win for its sustainability commitment. Hats off to the engineers who transformed a great camera into a future-ready tool.

Final Verdict

The Lumix S5IIX’s AI autofocus is not just good—it’s astonishingly effective. For airplane spotters, it’s a transformation. Zurich’s dynamic skies posed no challenge for the system’s tracking intelligence, and the V-Log results were so crisp they could inspire any aviation filmmaker to create.

Calling All Spotters!
What’s your go-to gear for aviation video/photography? 🛩️ Share your home base airport and camera setup in the comments—maybe we’ll cross paths at ZRH one day.

My Setup: