Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Pro Reviews

Like its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 packs an image sensor that's much larger than you'd expect, resulting in a pocket-friendly camera that can go toe to toe with larger interchangeable lens models in terms of image quality.

Panasonic's new baby CSC is the Lumix DMC-GM5, a camera that continues the theme of miniature styling established by the Lumix DMC-GM1 only a year ago. For those who need a refresher, the GM1 is the almost inconceivably small interchangeable lens camera bearing a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens mount. The GM5 is an addition to the range, rather than a replacement for the GM1, bringing some small (that's the theme here) but notable new features to the lineup. The GM5 offers the same imaging basics as the GM1, including that 16MP Live MOS Four Thirds sensor, but adds a 1,166k-dot electronic viewfinder and a clickable rear command dial. It's a slightly bigger camera, but in the scale of the GM-series that means an extra 5mm here and there. They are both truly small cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is priced at £699 with 12-32mm kit lens, which makes it quite expensive for a mirrorless camera, and it's designed to compete with other premium compact cameras, such as the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III, with 1inch sensor, although the GM5 benefits from a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor, and the option to change lenses. Like the GM1, the Panasonic Lumix GM5 offers all of the advantages of a compact system camera, including access to one of the largest ranges of lenses for mirrorless cameras, from Panasonic, Olympus and many others. The GM5 also gives a built in electronic viewfinder, and benefits from compact lenses designed specifically for the compact Panasonic Lumix GM series, including the new 35-100mm telephoto zoom lens. Despite being one of the smallest Micro Four Thirds cameras available with built in EVF, and also being smaller than most other mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic Lumix GM5 doesn't compromise on image quality or features, and delivers advanced options in a camera small enough to fit in your pocket, even with the lens attached! The camera has a good 3 inch touch screen which makes it easy to use in combination with Panasonic's clear and logical menu system. Built in Wi-Fi makes sharing photos or using the camera remotely easy and fun. There are a few negatives, including the short battery life, and the kit lens doesn't offer as good macro performance as other kit lenses available, but for those that want excellent image quality, the ability to change lenses, and one of the smallest compact system cameras possible with a built in electronic viewfinder the Panasonic Lumix GM5 is our Editor's Choice!