Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 Pro Reviews

The Panasonic Lumix G5 is a solid upgrade to the earlier Lumix G3 and maintains its position as one of the best value Micro Four Thirds models in the Panasonic line up as well as more generally. The combination of a new 16 Megapixel sensor and updated Venus Engine processor improves on the low noise characteristics and excellent image quality established with the G3 and adds 1080p50/60 HD video and 6fps continuous shooting. And as my quality and noise results prove, the G5 can keep up with the larger APS-C sensors of rival models in most situations. The G5 demonstrates that a well designed touch-screen interface can happily co-exist on a body designed primarily for physical control and with features like Touch Pad AF Panasonic continues to expore new ways of integrating the two to improve handling. A higher resolution EVF would have been nice, but by sticking with the existing big, bright 1.4 million dot viewfinder Panasonic has maintained the G5's position as a highly capable, yet affordable enthusiasts' compact system camera. Like the G3 before it, it offers much of the Flagship GH3's capabilities in a smaller, lighter, cheaper and simplified package.

The Panasonic Lumix G3 was a very good camera, the updated G5 is a great one. Its excellent image quality and blazing-fast autofocus make it one of the best Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market. By upping HD video support (with a variety of frame rates), the G5 becomes suitable not just for the advanced photographer but also the advanced videographer. The super EVF and touchscreen LCD make the Panasonic G5 more capable than cameras with only an LCD screen and more comfortable to use for traditional DSLR photographers. Ergonomics are generally much improved over the G3, though a few quirks still get in the way. The Lumix G5 feels better thought out than many competing DSLRs, with more features and more capabilities at about the same price. Photographers choosing between the G5 and an APS-C sized DSLR camera will have to weigh the advantages of the low weight, fast performance and compact size of the G5 over the slightly better high-ISO image quality from some APS-C sized competitors. Given the Panasonic G5's sterling qualities, we think it's a choice most people will make in its favor.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 edges out some other excellent cameras to earn our Editors' Choice award for compact interchangeable lens cameras under $1,000.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 edges out some other excellent cameras to earn our Editors' Choice award for compact interchangeable lens cameras under $1,000.

Based on looks alone, Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G5 resembles any compact DSLR on the market. It has the familiar DSLR shape with a lens barrel, right-hand grip, and sturdy build. But take one into your hands and you’ll notice that the small size and lighter weight makes it anything but a traditional SLR. As part of Panasonic’s G-series line of Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless, interchangeable-lens cameras, the G5 walks in the same footsteps as the original G1, announced back in 2008. The G5 is the ideal shooter for those wanting to step up from a compact digicam, but not fully prepared to enter the DSLR segment. It has the flexibility, optical quality, and prowess of an entry-level DSLR, but is designed to operate like a fully automated camera with a touchscreen LCD. And that’s not a bad thing.

With 320 shots from a full charge the G5 mostly delivers sharp colour rich images, if we did notice some focus fall off towards the very frame edges at maximum wide angle. Otherwise this is a nigh all-encompassing step up option.

The new G5 is more of a natural evolution rather than a radical departure from the still available G3, but that's actually a compliment rather than a criticism. One of our favourite compact system cameras from 2011 may have become more expensive, but it's also more accomplished than its predecessor, making the new Panasonic Lumix G5 one of the best DSLR pretenders and one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market.

When compact system cameras first hit the shelves it was hard to know what to call them. The term "hybrid" was banded about for a while, but was never quite the accurate fit. The G5, however, marries together DSLR-like features with some more compact-esque ones thanks to the power zoom lens and on-body lens zoom control and, therefore, has made us reach for that word again. We mean hybrid in a good way though: the G5 will be usable by any level of user, yet the inclusion of full manual controls, lots of function buttons, the touch-sensitive LCD screen and a built-in electronic viewfinder leave almost no stone unturned for the more demanding snapper. Autofocus is super-fast and it’s only the continuous autofocus that we can really moan about to some degree in performance terms. For all its good, however, the change in image quality compared to the G3 is fairly slight and the 14-42mm power zoom lens does add an unavoidable premium to the price. We still think the G5 is one cracking compact system camera - daresay "hybrid" - with some welcome upgrades compared to the G3. It’s also good to see the power zoom lenses used more seamlessly within the range. Good show.

While it may have a bit of a fight on its hands to tempt people away from the safer option of a DSLR, the G5 has a lot to offer those willing to try something a little less traditional. The build-quality is as good as its rivals, if not better in some areas. The interface and touch screen technology make the G5 easy and quick to use, though as we've mentioned, there is still room for improvement in this area. Images are also very good, and unless you shoot a lot of high ISO shots where DSLRs have the edge, you won't be disappointed. Factor in the fast AF (in single AF at least), flip-out screen, 6fps and the largest lens and accessory support for a Compact System Camera range, and the G5 has to be the most complete Lumix G-series camera we've seen, that mounts a serious challenge to established DSLRs.

Panasonic has once again delivered a very interesting proposition in the shape of the G5. Purchasing the camera as a twin lens kit, with the new ultra-portable 45-150mm lens would arguably make this the ultimate holiday combination.

The 12 month cycle of some of these cameras lets Panasonic and Olympus update and refresh their models much more quickly than the more usual 18-24 month life cycle for Digital SLRs, making the specifications and performance of these cameras very impressive in comparison. They are increasingly making a more compelling argument for themselves to the point where the additional bulk of a more traditional Digital SLR is no longer necessary. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has moved forward the image quality of Micro Four Thirds cameras noticeably, and its design and near-professional level weather sealing has made it appeal to a new group of traditional Digital SLR users. It delivers extremely sharp JPEG images straight from the camera and has slightly easier to control white balance results (warmth, additional presets) compared to the G5. There is an impressive ISO range with particularly good detail even at the higher ISO levels. With less grip the E-M5 feels slightly more compact than the G5, although it lacks the built in flash.

The Panasonic Lumix G5 has been introduced with a new telephoto zoom lens, the compact 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6, and with Micro Four Thirds offering one of the most extensive ranges of lenses available for CSCs / DSLMs / Mirrorless cameras. Whatever you decide to call it, the G5 makes a compelling case for itself. It offers high speed performance, with extremely quick focus, shutter response, and very good continuous shooting at 6fps. The camera has a number of useful function buttons, as well as an excellent screen and EVF with eye-detection. If you choose the compact 14-42mm power zoom as your kit lens, then you get a very compact system, and one that's capable of excellent image quality. The Panasonic Lumix G5 has an impressive specification and produces excellent images - with improved noise results. The G5 is more expensive than the model it replaces, however we feel that the improvements make it worth the investment. The Panasonic Lumix G5 has an abundance of features, excellent image quality, and is good value for money, making it well worth investing in.