Panasonic Lumix GM5
Announced September 15, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is an exceptionally compact mirrorless camera that integrates a high-quality sensor and electronic viewfinder into a pocket-friendly design. It serves as a versatile, everyday tool for photographers who prioritize portability and lens adaptability over advanced ergonomic features.
Weighted from 23 reviewer scores
Pros
- Built-in electronic viewfinder
- Extremely compact and lightweight design
- High image quality from a large sensor
- Access to the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
- Intuitive touchscreen interface and physical controls
Cons
- Short battery life
- Small, cramped, or fiddly physical controls
- Small, low-magnification electronic viewfinder
- Fixed rear screen that does not tilt or rotate
- Lack of advanced features like weather sealing or microphone input
- Launch price $899 (USD)
- Sensor 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization None
- Burst 40 fps electronic 5.8 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 23 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The GM-5 may not have sold incredibly well at the time of its release, but it was way before its time, and that time is now. With all the attention focused on compact digital cameras, vintage-looking image quality, and analog-adjacent cameras, the GM-5 is more popular than ever.
- DPReview 77%
If smallness is a priority, the GM5 is a very nice daily companion. You won't get better images with a camera this size.
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There is a lot of competition at $899, to be sure, but precious little as small or full-featured as the GM5.
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Despite these caveats, the GM5 packs a huge amount into its small form factor and perfectly combines the advantages of a small compact with the adaptability of interchangeable lenses.
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In a body not much larger in length and height than a credit card, it packs a huge four-thirds sensor, which gives great image quality.
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The improvements to the sensor and processing engine enable an impressive performance and show that a smaller-format sensor can compete against APS-C models.
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Despite being one of the smallest Micro Four Thirds cameras available with built in EVF [...] 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!
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In short it’s very hard to find fault with the GM5, given what it is.
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It’s not perfect, but it’s a very good combination.
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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.
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Superb image quality from a fantastic feat of camera engineering - perhaps the ultimate carry everywhere camera.
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The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GM5 is a very compact mirrorless camera that takes crisp photos, but you have to be able to live with smaller controls.
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[I]f you’re happy to make these compromises and compactness is the most important thing for you there are few cameras to compete with the model.
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Even though most mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are compact and light in comparison to DSLRs, very few compare to the kind of portability you get with the GM5.
- Photo Review 8.7/10
Photographers looking for a take-everywhere camera should give the GM5 kit serious consideration, particularly if they already own a Panasonic M4/3 system.
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If you want a camera with an occasional-use viewfinder to take everywhere then the GM5 is man enough for the job, and paired with a prime lens its small scale should make it the ideal.
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Though it lacks some high-level features, the GM5 fits in perfectly with those who want all the benefits of a fully-loaded system camera, but in a lilliputian package.
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The smaller size meant that we are going to be taking it out with us more often than we would a DSLR with equivalent lens, which is kind of 'point proved' as far as the usefulness of smaller format mirror-less system cameras goes.
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Some strong competition doesn’t take away from the GM5’s charms, though.
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If you are looking for a small interchangeable lens camera for everyday use or street photography, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 won’t disappoint.
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If you are a casual snapper who just wants to share images via the web and wants the tiniest shooter that can live in a tote bag or similar but can’t be satisfied with your smartphone camera, ignore the rating altogether and just grab one and give it a try.
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Those who want to photograph without worries, without having to lug along too much stuff, choose a Panasonic GM5.
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It’s a joy to use, offers a tactile experience, and looks stunning.
