Welcome to the brave new world of video jargon!
Resolution: 10.2MP isn’t much by today’s standards, but it’s an almost perfect match for 4K video. It’s more efficient than using the ‘pixel binning’ or ‘oversampling’ needed with higher-resolution sensors.
Noise: The lower resolution means larger photosites, less noise and better dynamic range, which are especially important for the GH5S’s smaller Micro Four Thirds format.
Frame rates: Most rival cameras capture 4K video at up to 30fps, which is normal playback speed. The GH5’s powerful sensor and processor technology can double that, offering 4K at 60fps and full HD at an amazing 240fps.
10-bit video: Most cameras capture 8-bit video, which is fine unless you need to edit (‘grade’) it later, when you can get issues with banding. The GH5S captures higher-quality 10-bit video.
Chroma subsampling: The non-technical explanation is that this is how the camera compresses colour data. The GH5S can capture 4:2:2 video internally, whereas rivals typically capture 4:2:0 video and need an external recorder to achieve the higher 4:2:2 quality.
Bit rate: Again, this is connected with quality. Higher bit rates mean less compression and better quality. With a maximum bit rate of 400Mbps for internal recording, the GH5S goes well beyond the data rates of most rivals in the regular camera market.
Internal recording: Many crossover stills-video cameras can only output their best quality when you connect them to an external recorder with an HDMI cable. The GH5S can capture high-quality video internally on its twin UHS-II SD cards.
Unlimited recording: While most crossover stills-video cameras have a recording time limit, the GH5S offers unlimited recording, up to the capacity of the memory card or until the battery runs out.
Pro video features: The GH5S has a time code in/out socket, for synchronisation with other recording devices or multi-camera set-ups.