Panasonic S5 vs Leica SL2-S file behaviour and SL lens performance?

[Archiver]

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I just had a very intriguing experience at a Leica boutique. I tried a SL2S and 35 APO for the first time, and when I got the raw files home, I was blown away at how different they looked and behaved in Lightroom compared with Panasonic S5 files. My S5 files are typically processed with quite high white point as this is the look I prefer, but the SL2S files needed none of that. And with the embedded profile in the DNG as opposed to Adobe Standard, the colours of the SL2S were more appealing, reds had more pop and skin tones were more alive. Not to mention, the APO 35 rendered in a sharp, clean and smooth way like I've never seen before, it was deeply compelling.

So my questions are, do the SL2S dngs behave that much differently compared with S5 files? Will I get the same extraordinary clarity and sharpness from the APO 35 on my S5 as with the SL2S? I was just smitten with the initial results and am keen to go back with my S5 to do some back to back test images. The fellow at the boutique claimed that the APO lenses will optically perform better on the SL cameras because of the cover glass and microlens array.

[frame-it]

why don't you go back with your S5 and try the 35APO on both cameras with the same settings and then compare the files?

[Archiver]

5 minutes ago, frame-it said:

why don't you go back with your S5 and try the 35APO on both cameras with the same settings and then compare the files?

That's the plan, but I won't have time for a while. I was just wondering if others have experience with these things.

[jaapv]

Different  cameras require different profiles. What you are seeing are the default camera profiles by Adobe. In my experience getting similar looks from different cameras takes some work. I found the same thing for Panasonic cameras vs. Leica. Took me a few weeks to get the Panasonic ones (GX8 and S5)  to match the Leica ones. More or less.

Having said that, from M9 to M240 was worse...

[dkCambridgeshire]

Different cameras' light metering systems give different results. Consider optimising exposures by, when possible, exposing via the live view histogram so that the 'highlights' are exposed correctly, i.e., push / pull the RHS of the histogram via exposure compensation &/or ISO adjustment, until the RHS of the histogram 'bell' touches the edge.  All well documented online, e.g., https://medium.com/how-to-take-the-best-photos-on-the-road/travel-photography-tips-use-the-histogram-df5000a35aee

[Stuart Richardson]

I have the S1 and SL2 (not S). I do find that the results are better on the Leica, but I still like the results from the Panasonic. I found the Camera Natural profile to be the best for me on the S1. Perhaps you can give it a try. I think, while different, it is a little closer to the Leica colors.

As for the lenses, I think the guy in the store is correct that the lens might be a bit better on the SL cameras because of the thinner cover glass, but I don't think it is a big factor. I had the S1 before the SL2 and bought the 50mm APO as my main lens for it. It worked spectacularly well. The APO Summicrons are still stunning on the Panasonic. That said, Leica has really excellent color and tonality in the SL cameras, especially with the APO Summicrons.

[KenLW]

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I am primality interested in trying out the SL 35mm APO lens which I can get for around $3k used.  I want to get a L-mount camera to pair with lens. I was tempted to sell my GFX100s in exchange for a Leica SL2s which costs the same in the used market (https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/398446-selling-my-fujifilm-gfx-100s-for-leica-sl2-s

I am somewhat convinced that I should keep my GFX100s for a while because I still want to use it for landscape and hikes. This means I should find a cheaper L-mount camera and the original S5 seems to be the best option.

Does anyone know if the S5 + 35 SL APO can give the Leica look? I have reviewed many comments / videos online suggesting the look of S5 is close to Leica SL system when using a Lumix or even M lenses. Does it apply to 35 SL APO as well? I would imagine sensor color science, lens profile, sensor stack thickness could all affect the image quality here.

 

[jaapv]

I would strongly suggest the S5ii(x) The files are considerably better. The sensor, imo, outperforms the SL2S 

[Archiver]

On 7/17/2024 at 2:52 AM, jaapv said:

I would strongly suggest the S5ii(x) The files are considerably better. The sensor, imo, outperforms the SL2S 

Jaap, now that you have had the S5 II and SL2S for a little while, how do you find their comparative image quality, assuming the same lenses? I'm strongly considering the SL2S again as a photocentric companion to my original S5.

[jaapv]

In practice the sensors are about equal in acuity and it is hard to tell a difference in dynamic range in normal shooting, but at very high ISO and very low light the SL2S has less and more manageable noise and holds its colours much better. The camera can see in the dark. I find the SL2S colours much easier to tune to my taste.I prefer the overall experience with the SLS2 but still I could be perfectly happy with the S5ii which has some UI advantages (especially the analog-type controls with the wheels and very logical menu structure) and some pretty nice features like better IS,  an easy pixel-shift handheld 96 MP resolution mode and better AF, multiple AWB settings and wide range of user profiles. Now that the two are in the same price range I would go for the Leica.