The S5II won the Japanese reader award. TherReasons for the choice:

The followings are some reasons of choice from the readers excerpted and edited by the Camera Grand Prix 2023 Executive Committee.

-LUMIX finally has a phase-detection AF, and it is amazing.
-I felt like everything was in place.
-The advanced video capabilities are unmatched.
-The addition of phase-detection AF, which was a popular request, and the inclusion of a subtle cooling fan, make it a high-quality but it is a little understated camera.
-The lowest price point in the middle-class, which is disruptive.
-It has gained a lot of attention as a high-spec, cost-effective, and easy-to-buy full-frame mirrorless camera.
-I think it is currently the best camera with a balance in size, performance, and price.
-Improvement in AF from the previous model.
-A good balance of lightweight, highimage quality, and no overheating.
-It has real-time LUT support.
-The performance exceeded expectations!
-I was surprised by the improvement in focus speed. The price was also affordable, so I immediately pre-ordered it!
-Because it is a challenge and a commemorative camera with the first phase-detection AF that is easily accessible to consumers. I already used it, and I feel like the soul of the engineers and salespeople is really poured into it, beyond its price tag.
-The evolution of AF and image stabilization. I am also looking forward to the movie recording formats available in the LUMIX S5IIX.
-With real-time LUT, the range of expression has further expanded.
-We are pursuing the enjoyment of shooting with features such as real-time LUT(lookup table) and excellent image quality.
-With particularly high cost performance and necessary and sufficient functions including image quality, it has provided the joy of a full-frame 35mm digital camera to many people.
-Amid the growing demand for video needs, the innovative idea of storing the heat radiation mechanism in the camera top has achieved both compactness and heat resistance, which is remarkable. I think the camera has had an impact on camera design beyond overall specs.
-A variety of functions are packed into a compact body with excellent image quality. It is the most well-balanced masterpiece.
-I felt a new challenge from LUMIX, such as phase-detection autofocus on the image plane.