Lumix S5II + Sigma 135mm F1.4: My Camera Settings for Portraits

I've already written about how the Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art performs on the Lumix S5II — the short version is that it's one of the sharpest, creamiest portrait lenses I've shot with. This post is the settings walkthrough I wish I'd had before that first session: the exact menu setup I run on the S5II body itself, so you can copy it directly if you're picking up this combo.

Gear:

My Settings

Image quality:

White Balance: fixed 6000K (not Auto — keeps every frame color-matched across a session)
Photo Style: Standard, sharpness/noise reduction/saturation/contrast all at +0
Aspect Ratio 3:2, Picture Quality Fine, Picture Size L (24M)
High Resolution Mode: On · Dual Native ISO: Auto · Metering: standard multi-pattern

ISO and corrections:

Base ISO 100, Minimum Shutter Speed Auto
i.Dynamic Range: Off (I'd rather control contrast myself in editing)
Vignetting Compensation: On (corrects the 135mm's natural corner falloff wide open)
Color Shading Compensation & Diffraction Compensation: Off

Autofocus:

AF Mode: 1-Area (AF Detection), subject detection Human: Eye/Face/Body
Photo focus menu: AF Detection On, AF Custom Setting Set 1, Focus Limiter Off, AF Assist Light On, Focus Peaking On, 1-Area AF Moving Speed Fast
Video focus menu: same as above, plus Continuous AF On and AF Custom Setting Mode 1

Video format:

MOV, Full sensor area, FHD 60p, 4:2:0 10-bit (Long GOP)

A couple of these are worth a quick why: Focus Limiter stays off because I want the full focus range available on a 135mm rather than a restricted one, in case a subject moves closer or farther than expected mid-session. And Continuous AF for video is what keeps focus tracking through a take instead of locking once — useful for any B-roll shot during the same session.

This Settings Setup in Action

With the menu dialed in above, here are three sessions shot with this exact configuration — three very different looks, same settings underneath.

Nicoleta — Western Street Style

Nicoleta in western street style, cowboy hat and brick backdrop

Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art · f/1.4 · 1/1300s · ISO 100 · Model: @lupu.nicolleta

Nicoleta western street style portraits, Lumix S5II Sigma 135mm F1.4 1 of 10

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Rosina — Golden Hour, Two Looks

Rosina in a floral maxi dress, golden hour street portrait

Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art · f/1.4 · 1/800s · ISO 125 · Model: @rosinashakirova

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The second look moved to a bridge railing right as the light dropped into full golden hour — this is where the 135mm's subject separation really takes over.

Rosina in a white sundress on a bridge railing, backlit golden hour

Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art · f/1.4 · 1/1600s · ISO 125 · Model: @rosinashakirova

Rosina in a white sundress, golden hour bridge portraits 1 of 8

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Suzy — Autumn Park, Vintage Camera

Suzy in a fall park, holding a vintage camera

Sigma 135mm F1.4 DG Art · f/1.4 · 1/800s · ISO 125 · Model: @suzymedia

Suzy autumn park portraits with a vintage camera, Lumix S5II Sigma 135mm F1.4 1 of 5

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This is the settings sheet I ran across all three of these sessions — the AF subject detection held onto eyes reliably through every look and lighting change above, from harsh midday brick-street sun to full backlit golden hour. I'll update this post if anything changes after more sessions. Subscribe below or follow along on Instagram for more.