Review Date: December 29, 2014
Category: Serious to Advanced Amateur
Photoxels Editor’s Choice – Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera
USER’S EXPERIENCE
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 – Here’s what I receive in the box:
- Lumix DMC-GM5 (black)
- Li-ion Battery DMW-BLH7PP 7.2V 680mAh 4.9Wh
- DE-A99 Battery Charger (plugs directly into the wall outlet)
- Neck/Shoulder Strap
- USB Cable
- Documentation: Basic Owner’s Manual
- Software CD: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.6 PE (Win only), SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.2 SE (Win & Mac), Owner’s Manual for Advanced Features
If you purchase it with the 12-32mm kit lens:
- LUMIX G Vario 12-32mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. Ø37mm with Lens cap
Impressively ultra-compact. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 is dimunitive in size, impressively so when you consider that it accepts interchangeable lenses, features a large Four Thirds sensor, incorporates a built-in EVF and delivers excellent image quality. You might think that such a small camera may be difficult to operate, but you’d be wrong. Careful placement of controls and one of the best touchscreen AF on a camera make the GM5 a delightful camera to handle in use — and when not in use, safely tucked into your coat pocket.
The Lumix GM5 follows in the footsteps of the GM1 (which stays in the line-up), adding features that make it an even more compelling camera. How small is the GM5? Here it is compared to some of the smallest models available from competitors:
Panasonic GM5 vs Sony RX100 III (1-in. sensor, fixed lens)
Panasonic GM5 vs Nikon 1 V3 (1-in. sensor)
Panasonic GM5 vs Canon EOS M (APS-C sensor)
The DMC-GM5 features the same 16MP Live MOS sensor as in the GM1, so we can expect the same excellent image quality. Shooting performance is great. The GM5 is very well designed for an ultra compact camera and the touchscreen user interface is intuitive. If you are expecting the GM5 to be everything like (and has all the features of) the larger Panasonic models, it’d be unreasonable. That small size do introduce some compromises such as movie video at Full HD 1920 x 1080, 60p instead of 4K and a fixed LCD instead of a tiltable one.
The EVF (or LVF — Live Viewfinder — in Panasonic speak) has a 0.46x (equivalent) magnification, so the image is on the small side, but very clear and usable. Try it out for yourself but we think you’ll find it quite acceptable. The hot shoe means that you can now attach an external flash. The built-in flash is gone, but a small external unit is bundled free. Again, compromises had to be made to fit everything users requested most into such a small envelope (about 5mm higher and deeper than the GM1).
There are 2 physical Fn buttons and 5 on-screen Fn tabs, so you can customize the GM5 pretty much to your heart’s content. Enthusiasts will appreciate the level of control that it provides.
It was easy enough to connect the camera to my smartphone (using QR Code) for Remote Shooting & View using Wi-Fi and the Panasonic Image App. You can control quite an extensive number of parameters from your smartphone.
There are lots of creative filter effects.
What I like about the GM5:
- A really ultra compact mirrorless camera.
- Very good to excellent image quality with low noise up to ISO 1600.
- Good handling and feel for a compact camera.
- Very well implemented Touchscreen interface.
- Fast and precise AF, even in low light.
- Very fast start up (though you’d need to add extra time if using a retractable lens).
- Love the AF Area that can be anywhere on screen.
No review is complete without a couple of improvement suggestions:
- A tiltable LCD.
- High speed flash synching.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 should appeal to those desiring an ultra compact mirrorless camera that does not compromise with image quality, performance and handling. It’s elegant, looks professional and accepts a large number of quality lenses. We find ourselves reaching for it everytime we head out to an event or family gathering. Not only is it super compact and light, but we have absolutely confidence it will bring back the shots we are after. If you are a fan of ultra compact and high-performance cameras, try the GM5 and you may just find it irresistible. Highly Recommended.
Next: Panasonic Lumix GM5 QuickFact Sheet / Buy
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