Cameras Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

2012-07-18

6 min read

Category:	Type:	Image Sensor	:
Point-and-Shoot	Compact	EVF	:
Beginner	Ultra Compact	Image Stabilization	:
Serious	Ultra Zoom	Display	:
Advanced	DSLR	Shooting Mode	:
Pro	DIL	Shutter Speed	:
		Burst	:
		Movie	:
		Price check…	:

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 updates the G3 with some significant improvements that keeps it as one of the best mirrorless DSLRs available.

The Lumix G5 features 16.05MP resolution on a Four Thirds Live MOS sensor. It is compact and light, with all smooth curves. The body feels solidly constructed. The molded handgrip is larger than on the G3 for a more comfortable hold, and the Shutter Release Button is now in a more natural angled position. This is easily one of the most beautiful DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless).

There is a new Function Lever that functions like a top dial. It can be customized a number of ways: to act as a Zoom Lever when using Power Zoom lenses, thus allowing one handed operation of the G5; to control exposure or aperture in Manual mode; to magnify images in Playback mode; and, to page flip in Menu mode.

A large, bright 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) integrates an eye sensor to automatically switch the image from the LCD to the LVF when you bring the camera to your eye. Additionally, Eye Sensor AF (Auto Focus) automatically starts focusing when the photographer looks into the LVF. A Diopter Adjustment Dial on the left side of the LVF is easy to set.

The Panasonic G5 has a large 3.0-inch LCD screen with a high 920k-dot resolution for a bright, clear and impressively sharp display. The LCD is of the rotating type so that you can protect it when not in use or turn it all the way to face the front. Touch-control shooting lets photographers focus on the subject by simply touching it on the screen. Pinpoint AF allows extremely precise near–pixel-level focus point setting at the touch of a finger. For those who prefer it, there is also manual focus.

An innovation here allows the touch AF feature to still work even when you are looking through the LVF. Even when there is no image displayed on the LCD (since the eye sensor has switched it to the LVF), you can move your thumb on the LCD (of course, the LCD would be opened wide as in the picture above) to set the AF point.

A practical addition is the new Electronic Level Gauge that is one of the easier implementations I’ve used.

Image quality is preserved at high ISOs: selective noise reduction creates a more naturally-balanced curve without deterioration of the image.

Those upgrading from a point-and-shoot digital camera will love the iA (Intelligent AUTO) and scene modes; the more advanced users has PASM shooting modes for complete control.

The Panasonic G5 uses the SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 is a compact, elegant and powerful DSLM for those serious about their photography but do not want the bulk and weight of a traditional mirrored DSLR.

Editor’s Note: We have a Hands-on preview of the Lumix G5. Only the Handling & Feel and Photo Gallery sections are currently available. We will complete it with more detail when we get a camera for review.

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Panasonic G5	QuickFact™ Sheet
US \| CA \| UK \| Lumix
Image Sensor	16.05 Megapixel, Live MOS 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Lens Mount	Micro Four Thirds mount
Image Stabilization	Optical, therefore dependent on lens attached
File Format	JPEG, RAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, Standard
Media	SD, SDHC, SDXC (Compatible with UHS-I standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards)
Viewfinder	Live View Finder (1,440,000 dots equivalent) Magnification: Approx. 1.4x / 0.7x (35 mm camera equivalent) with 50 mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 Diopter Adjustment
Shutter Speed	1/4000 – 60 sec., Bulb (up to approx. 120 sec.)
Continuous Shooting	SH: 20 frames/sec (4M), H: 6.0 frames/sec (with AFS), M: 3.7 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2.0 frames/sec (with Live View) 9 images (when there are RAW files with the particular speed) Unlimited consecutive shooting (when there are no RAW files) (depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression)
Shooting Modes	Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE / Manual
Exposure Metering	Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot
ISO sensitivity	Auto / Intelligent ISO / 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 (Changeable to 1/3 EV step)
Dust Reduction System	Supersonic wave filter
Autofocus	Contrast AF system Focus mode: AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF AF mode : Face detection / AF Tracking / 23-area-focusing / 1-area-focusing / Pinpoint Quick AF, Continuous AF (during motion image recording), AF+MF, Eye Sensor AF, Touch AF, Touch Pad AF, Touch shutter, Touch MF Assist AF Assist Lamp
White Balance	Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Incandescent / Flash / White Set 1, 2 / Color temperature setting
Display Monitor	7.5 cm / 3.0 in. Free-angle Touch Panel LCD, 920k-dot
Movie	Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format MP4: 1,920 x 1,080, 1,280 x 720, and 640 x 480, all at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL)
Remote Control	Cabled remote control with bulb function DMW-RSL1 (Optional)
Battery	Li-ion (approx. 310 shots, CIPA) included, Battery Charger
Dimensions (W x H x D)	119.9 x 83.2 x 70.8mm / 4.72 x 3.28 x 2.79 in. (excluding protrusions)
Weight (body only)	346g / 12.21 oz.
MSRP	body only: US $699.99 / CAD $ / UK £599 / € with 14-42mm lens: US $799.99 / CAD $ / UK £699 / € with 14-42mm Power Zoom lens: US $ / CAD $ / UK £829 / € with 45-150mm lens: US $ / CAD $ / UK £879 / €

*Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. Please consult manufacturer’s site for latest specifications.

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