Panasonic GM5 Review

GM5 Summary

The Panasonic GM5 takes what was great about the GM1 and improves upon it immensely. While still keeping a lightweight and compact design -- that's practically pocketable even with the 12-32mm kit lens -- the GM5 manages to includes a fully-functional, albeit small, electronic viewfinder. Creative lighting options are expanded by the addition of a hot-shoe and external flash support, plus, ergonomics and customization are subtly yet noticeably improved. The image quality remains unchanged and impressive, and performance is still excellent with slight improvements in some areas.

Great image quality for a tiny camera; Excellent high ISO for its class; Built-in EVF; Built-in hot-shoe; Improved ergonomics; Improved image quality for long exposures; Improved burst rate with hybrid shutter; 1080/60p video.

Slightly bigger than GM1 (but not by much); No built-in flash; Shallow buffers with RAW files; Dynamic range not quite as good as some competing models; Below average battery life.

The Panasonic GM5 originally began shipping in November 2014 for around US$899 with the 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS kit lens, and is offered in an all-black body and lens kit or a two-toned red/black body with black kit lens.

5.0 out of 5.0