• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 26.00mm - 130.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Nikon L32

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon L32 advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • Less expensive
    $119* vs $450
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 570 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GF5

Review Excerpt

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Nikon L32
Olympus E-PL3
  • $119
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PM1
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Hot shoe
Nikon L32
Olympus E-PM1
  • $119
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3
Nikon L32
Panasonic GF3X
  • $119
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm AX650

Panasonic GF5
Fujifilm AX650
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $115
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
Nikon L32
Fujifilm AX650
  • $119
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $115
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Nikon L30

Panasonic GF5
Nikon L30
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
Nikon L32
Nikon L30
  • $119
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
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