Joshua Waller reviews the brand new Panasonic Lumix G5 - the latest Micro Four Thirds camera from Panasonic.
| Panasonic Lumix G5 in Mirrorless Cameras
ADVERTISEMENT
Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Panasonic Lumix G5 is the latest camera from Panasonic, and is the update to last year's Panasonic Lumix G3 and is tested with the compact Lumix G Vario X 14-42mm power zoom lens. Panasonic say that their cameras shouldn't be called mirrorless or compact system cameras (CSCs), but should instead be called Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras. Whether this will take off or not is another matter, but they are keen to point out that they believe this a match for Digital SLRs.
The Panasonic Lumix G5 features a new 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor, a new image processing engine and extended ISO up to ISO12800, as well as promises of improved low-light performance. The body has been redesigned to feature additional function buttons, new front and rear rubber grip, as well as a new zoom control next to the shutter button that allows the control of power zoom lenses. The camera also features eye-detection to automatically activate the electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Handling - The G5 features a noticeably improved grip compared to the G3, with a large front rubber hand-grip and rubber thumb grip on the rear. A new rocker switch has been added just behind the shutter release button which can be used for controlling power zoom lenses, or alternatively exposure compensation when using standard lenses - this can be set in the menus and in manual shooting mode can alter the aperture, with the rear dial setting the shutter speed. Three customisable function buttons are available on the back of the camera, including 2 soft function buttons that are on the touch-screen. Another new feature is the eye-detection sensor under the EVF - this can be set to activate AF as soon as you put your eye up to the camera.
The G5 features an electronic shutter for silent operation which is useful as the shutter sound is still quite loud (as is the case with other Panasonic Lumix G cameras) so the electronic shutter is a welcome addition.
The touch screen allows you to swipe through your photos in playback mode, as well as allowing you to focus on any area of the screen, and if you want you can also use the screen to take photos. The camera, does not force you to use the touch screen, and you can quite happily use the camera fully without using the screen if you are not a fan. Another new feature is the ability to set the focus area on the screen, while looking through the EVF. The electronic viewfinder with 1.44 million pixels is very good, easy to see, and very clear, even for someone wearing glasses.
Menus – The G5 gains the new guided scene modes from the GF5, as well as an improved resolution screen (920k dots compared to the G3 with 460k dots). The menus are easy to use, as an explanation of the current option is displayed at the top of the screen. The menus can also be controlled with the touch screen making it even more intuitive to use the cameras menus if you are used to using touch screen devices.
Battery life - The G5 uses the larger battery from the GH2, and has a CIPA rating of 340 shots. We were able to take just over 350 photos before the battery went flat, although the life will depend on how much you use continuous shooting, flash and other features.
Speed - We tested the cameras performance at focusing, shutter response, shot-to-shot time, continuous shooting etc. and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced.
* G5 / GF5 tested with 14-42 Power Zoom lens.
Focus is extremely quick, as is shutter response. Shot to shot time is impressive, and continuous shooting at 6fps is an improvement over the G3 (at 4fps), as well as being quicker than the GH2 (at 5fps). The camera can also shoot with continuous AF active at 3.7fps.
Sample Photos - Colour is excellent outdoors as well as indoors, with good exposure and detail, although there is a slight tendency to under-expose shots so the occasional exposure compensation may be needed. Skin tones are good with good detail, and no red-eye was shown in the photo.
Lens Performance - The 14-42 Vario X lens is an extremely compact lens when off, and still quite compact when switched on as it automatically extends. The lens features two side controls for electronic control of zoom and focus - the zoom can also be controlled with the G5's zoom lever behind the shutter button. Dynamic range is good with good detail in photos at both wide and telephoto zoom. The combination of lens and camera are free from purple fringing, resistant to lens flare, although it does suffer from vignetting as can be seen in the macro photo. This can be improved by switching on Shading Compensation in the menu.
ISO Noise Performance - Images show very low noise at ISO160 and ISO200, with a slight hint of noise appearing at ISO400. At ISO800 noise is still low, but there appears to be a drop in detail in images. At ISO1600 noise becomes more noticeable. ISO3200 shows an increase in noise but lower noise than the GX1, although the image does appear to be noticeably softer. ISO6400 shows stronger noise again and it's possible that this may be the highest setting you'll want to use. ISO12800 shows the highest levels of noise, and also the softest images with the lowest detail therefore this setting is best avoided.
White Balance Performance - Auto white balance (AWB) performs extremely well under tungsten and fluorescent lighting. The camera doesn't feature a fluorescent preset, but does feature manual white balance. The tungsten preset gives an orange cast, but could be useful if you wanted to keep the warmth in an image.
Digital Filters - The camera has a number of new digital filters and colour effects - including Low-key, High-key, Sepia, Mono, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy, Expressive, Soft, Retro, Star, Colour select and Miniature. The G5 doesn't feature a panoramic mode.
Video - The G5 has a large number of options and settings available for high video quality, and records Full HD video with stereo sound. Video menu options includes: Photo style, Record mode (MP4/AVCHD), Video size, Focus, Picture mode, Continuous AF, Metering mode, iResolution, iDynamic, Ex. Tele Conv, Digital zoom, Wind cut, Mic level display, Mic level adjust, and Flicker Decrease.
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. Highly Recommended.
Excellent image quality
EVF with eye-detection sensor
Electronic shutter for silent operation
6fps continuous shooting
Improved handling and controls
Improved menu system
Improved battery life
New zoom lever / exposure control
Electronic level
Compact 14-42mm Vario X lens not the strongest performer
Panoramic mode would be nice
Standard shutter quite loud
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification
The Panasonic Lumix G5 is the latest camera from Panasonic, and is the update to last year's Panasonic Lumix G3 and is tested with the compact Lumix G Vario X 14-42mm power zoom lens. Panasonic say that their cameras shouldn't be called mirrorless or compact system cameras (CSCs), but should instead be called Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras. Whether this will take off or not is another matter, but they are keen to point out that they believe this a match for Digital SLRs.
Panasonic Lumix G5 Features
The Panasonic Lumix G5 features a new 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor, a new image processing engine and extended ISO up to ISO12800, as well as promises of improved low-light performance. The body has been redesigned to feature additional function buttons, new front and rear rubber grip, as well as a new zoom control next to the shutter button that allows the control of power zoom lenses. The camera also features eye-detection to automatically activate the electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Key Features
- New 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor
- Micro Four Thirds lens mount
- Panasonic Lumix G Vario X 14-42mm Lens
- 3 inch 920k touch screen
- 1.44m dot EVF: Eye detection sensor with diopter adjustment
- Venus Engine 7 FHD
- Full HD video AVCHD Progressive
- ISO160 - 12800
- 6fps continuous shooting
- 3.7fps continuous shooting with AF
- Level guage
- Available in Silver, Black, White
Panasonic Lumix G5 Handling
Handling - The G5 features a noticeably improved grip compared to the G3, with a large front rubber hand-grip and rubber thumb grip on the rear. A new rocker switch has been added just behind the shutter release button which can be used for controlling power zoom lenses, or alternatively exposure compensation when using standard lenses - this can be set in the menus and in manual shooting mode can alter the aperture, with the rear dial setting the shutter speed. Three customisable function buttons are available on the back of the camera, including 2 soft function buttons that are on the touch-screen. Another new feature is the eye-detection sensor under the EVF - this can be set to activate AF as soon as you put your eye up to the camera.
The G5 features an electronic shutter for silent operation which is useful as the shutter sound is still quite loud (as is the case with other Panasonic Lumix G cameras) so the electronic shutter is a welcome addition.
The touch screen allows you to swipe through your photos in playback mode, as well as allowing you to focus on any area of the screen, and if you want you can also use the screen to take photos. The camera, does not force you to use the touch screen, and you can quite happily use the camera fully without using the screen if you are not a fan. Another new feature is the ability to set the focus area on the screen, while looking through the EVF. The electronic viewfinder with 1.44 million pixels is very good, easy to see, and very clear, even for someone wearing glasses.
Menus – The G5 gains the new guided scene modes from the GF5, as well as an improved resolution screen (920k dots compared to the G3 with 460k dots). The menus are easy to use, as an explanation of the current option is displayed at the top of the screen. The menus can also be controlled with the touch screen making it even more intuitive to use the cameras menus if you are used to using touch screen devices.
Battery life - The G5 uses the larger battery from the GH2, and has a CIPA rating of 340 shots. We were able to take just over 350 photos before the battery went flat, although the life will depend on how much you use continuous shooting, flash and other features.
Speed - We tested the cameras performance at focusing, shutter response, shot-to-shot time, continuous shooting etc. and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced.
| Panasonic G5 | Panasonic GF5 | |
| Shutter Response | <0.05 | <0.05 |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.15 | 0.2 |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 1.1* | 1.2* |
| Shot to Shot (without flash) | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 1.0 | 1.5 |
|
Continuous Shooting (full resolution, before slow down) |
6fps (13 shots) | 4fps (8 shots) |
| Continuous Shooting (with flash) | N/A | N/A |
| Continuous Shooting (RAW) | 6fps (9 shots) | 4fps (5 shots) |
Focus is extremely quick, as is shutter response. Shot to shot time is impressive, and continuous shooting at 6fps is an improvement over the G3 (at 4fps), as well as being quicker than the GH2 (at 5fps). The camera can also shoot with continuous AF active at 3.7fps.
Panasonic Lumix G5 Performance
Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own sample photos, reviews and product ratings.Panasonic Lumix G5 Sample Photos
Previous
Next
Sample Photos - Colour is excellent outdoors as well as indoors, with good exposure and detail, although there is a slight tendency to under-expose shots so the occasional exposure compensation may be needed. Skin tones are good with good detail, and no red-eye was shown in the photo.
Panasonic Lumix G5 Lens test images
Previous
Next
Lens Performance - The 14-42 Vario X lens is an extremely compact lens when off, and still quite compact when switched on as it automatically extends. The lens features two side controls for electronic control of zoom and focus - the zoom can also be controlled with the G5's zoom lever behind the shutter button. Dynamic range is good with good detail in photos at both wide and telephoto zoom. The combination of lens and camera are free from purple fringing, resistant to lens flare, although it does suffer from vignetting as can be seen in the macro photo. This can be improved by switching on Shading Compensation in the menu.
Panasonic Lumix G5 ISO test images
Previous
Next
ISO Noise Performance - Images show very low noise at ISO160 and ISO200, with a slight hint of noise appearing at ISO400. At ISO800 noise is still low, but there appears to be a drop in detail in images. At ISO1600 noise becomes more noticeable. ISO3200 shows an increase in noise but lower noise than the GX1, although the image does appear to be noticeably softer. ISO6400 shows stronger noise again and it's possible that this may be the highest setting you'll want to use. ISO12800 shows the highest levels of noise, and also the softest images with the lowest detail therefore this setting is best avoided.
Panasonic Lumix G5 White-balance test images
Previous
Next
White Balance Performance - Auto white balance (AWB) performs extremely well under tungsten and fluorescent lighting. The camera doesn't feature a fluorescent preset, but does feature manual white balance. The tungsten preset gives an orange cast, but could be useful if you wanted to keep the warmth in an image.
Panasonic Lumix G5 Other sample images
Previous
Next
Panasonic Lumix G5 Digital filters
Previous
Next
Digital Filters - The camera has a number of new digital filters and colour effects - including Low-key, High-key, Sepia, Mono, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy, Expressive, Soft, Retro, Star, Colour select and Miniature. The G5 doesn't feature a panoramic mode.
Video - The G5 has a large number of options and settings available for high video quality, and records Full HD video with stereo sound. Video menu options includes: Photo style, Record mode (MP4/AVCHD), Video size, Focus, Picture mode, Continuous AF, Metering mode, iResolution, iDynamic, Ex. Tele Conv, Digital zoom, Wind cut, Mic level display, Mic level adjust, and Flicker Decrease.
Value For Money
The Panasonic Lumix G5 is available for £599 body only or £699 with the 14-42K lens, or £829 with the 14-42X compact lens as tested pricing it higher than the G3 it replaces. Alternatives to look at include the Panasonic Lumix GX1 (£400 without EVF), Olympus OM-D E-M5 (£999 body only with weather sealing, EVF and 9fps shooting), Sony NEX-5N (£449 without EVF) / Sony NEX-7 (with EVF, £999), Samsung NX20 (£899, 8fps continuous, EVF, Wi-Fi), Nikon 1 V1 (£549 with EVF). Have a look at other mirrorless cameras available. You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.Panasonic Lumix G5 Verdict
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. Highly Recommended.
 |
|
| The Panasonic Lumix G5 offers excellent image quality, handling and value for money with an impressive lens range. |
Panasonic Lumix G5 Pros
Excellent image qualityEVF with eye-detection sensorElectronic shutter for silent operation6fps continuous shootingImproved handling and controlsImproved menu systemImproved battery lifeNew zoom lever / exposure controlElectronic levelPanasonic Lumix G5 Cons
Compact 14-42mm Vario X lens not the strongest performerPanoramic mode would be niceStandard shutter quite loud| FEATURES |
 |
|
| HANDLING |
 |
|
| PERFORMANCE |
|
|
| VALUE FOR MONEY |
|
|
| VERDICT |
|
Panasonic Lumix G5 Specifications
| Manufacturer | Panasonic | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Pixels | 16.05Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 4608 | |
| Pixels (H) | 3456 | |
| Sensor Type | Live MOS Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | Micro / Four Thirds | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 17.3mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 13mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
| |
| LCD Monitor | ||
| LCD Monitor | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 920k | |
| Touch Screen | Yes | |
| Focusing | ||
| Focusing modes |
| |
| Exposure Control | ||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/4000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 60sec | |
| Bulb mode | Yes | |
| Exp modes |
| |
| Metering |
| |
| ISO sensitivity | 160 - 12800 | |
| White balance |
| |
| Exposure Comp | +/-5 | |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder Resolution | 1.44million dots | |
| Magnification | No Data | |
| Shooting Options | ||
| Continuous shooting | 6fps | |
| Video | ||
| Movie mode | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
| |
| Video FPS | AVCHD (1080p at 50 FPS) and MP4 (1080p at 25 FPS) | |
| Stereo Sound | Yes | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | |
| Other Features | ||
| Image Stabilisation | No | |
| Interface | ||
| HDMI | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | |
| Wi-Fi | No | |
| Storage | ||
| Card Type |
| |
| File Type |
| |
| Power Source | ||
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion | |
| Battery Life (CIPA rating) | 340shots | |
| Box Contents | ||
| Box Contents | Camera, Lens, Body cap, Battery, Battery charger, USB cable, Neck Strap, Software CD-ROM | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 348g | |
| Width | 119.9mm | |
| Height | 83.2mm | |
| Depth | 57.3mm | |
Buy Now
Sell or trade used photo and video kit with MPB
With MPB you can get a free instant quote for the kit you want to sell, including a trade-in all-in-one transaction - no need for callbacks or waiting for an email quote. Then, if you decide to sell, MPB will pick up your kit with a free insured DPD collection and you’ll get paid cash into your account within days. MPB will also keep you informed about the status of your gear at every step of the way and the whole process is carbon neutral.
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Panasonic Lumix G5 SEARCH |
We don't have the latest price however the link below will take you to the most relevant items. Panasonic Lumix G5 SEARCH |
Support this site by purchasing Plus Membership, or shopping with one of our affiliates: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA, ebay UK, MPB. It doesn't cost you anything extra when you use these links, but it does support the site, helping keep ePHOTOzine free to use, thank you.
ADVERTISEMENT
Photographs taken using the Panasonic Lumix G5
-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 8:39AMI have since seen on another site that it will cost £599 [body] and £829 with the new compact GX 14-42. Take note Olympus, all this spec and just as good a performance for a lot less money.
-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 11:05AMQuote:Wow! I want one, its a very good up grade on the body design and looking more like a small DSLR than previous models. Good review Josh, and those test pictures are out standing. It has the new Venus 7 engine and improved IQ which is slightly more Olympesc if you like. There is also an electronic 'level' which will be a great feature, especially for Landscapes.
I have since seen on another site that it will cost £599 [body] and £829 with the new compact GX 14-42. Take note Olympus, all this spec and just as good a performance for a lot less money.
Hi Kodachrome,
Yes it's a great update to the G3, and resolves a lot of the issues or design aspects that the camera had.
The price information was in our review too, under Value for Money
Thanks for the comment,
Josh
-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 12:04PM-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 1:41PM-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 2:54PM-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 4:20PM-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 4:21PM-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 6:06PMI personally own and really like the approach Olympus has taken with their OM-D offering. It appeals to the more advanced shooter, and in my case has replaced my Nikon D300 as my back-up camera to my D300s.
While the images on the G5 seem to look OK, the film quality look the OM-D produces, once again points to it's more professional appeal.
I was wondering if Panasonic would have an answer to the OM-D, guess not.....
-
Report Error / Abuse
18 Jul 2012 6:22PM-
Report Error / Abuse
20 Jul 2012 6:37PMDo you think or know if the sensor has been improved on the G5, reason I ask is all earlier G model cameras were some times critisized for having colour tint problems at the higher ISO settings. Even at low ISO, they some times exhibited a green or red tint to some pictures. Its never been a problem with my G3, but I have heard other people comment on this. May be the Venus 7 engine has addressed these issues? Your test pictures did look different/more colourfull than the G2/3.
-
Report Error / Abuse
21 Jul 2012 5:03AMYou can use Leica lenses on any M4/3 body with a cheap adapter, around $25.00. I had one for the PL1. There aren't many lenses that you can't find an adapter for today, it's become a thriving business in its own right.
Performance wise I would expect it to be right up there with Sony, Olympus, and other Mirrorless manufacturers.
Good review Josh.
Denny
-
Report Error / Abuse
23 Jul 2012 6:07PM-
Report Error / Abuse
25 Jul 2012 8:35AMOne last thought, one other review site praised the new shape for the reasons given above but marked it down a point on IQ compared to their review of the older G3.
-
Report Error / Abuse
25 Jul 2012 9:17AMI can't comment on other sites, but I can guess that with the release of the E-M5, the G5 is now up against new competition and needs to be marked accordingly.
-
Report Error / Abuse
26 Jul 2012 7:37AM-
Report Error / Abuse
26 Jul 2012 4:43PMI just shot some side by side comparisons using my Sony NEX F3 and my Olympus Pen e PL1 using the basic kit lens, no competition. Yes the LP1 is 2 years older but from what I have seen, not a great deal of improved IQ from the newer models. The 4:3 sensor is clearly a limiting factor. THE SHARPNESS and low noise of the Sony NEX F3 were even better than my Nikon D90 and equal most of the Canon T series of cameras.
-
Report Error / Abuse
27 Jul 2012 8:18AM-
Report Error / Abuse
27 Jul 2012 6:37PM-
Report Error / Abuse
30 Jul 2012 8:55PM-
Report Error / Abuse
30 Jul 2012 10:24PM-
Report Error / Abuse
31 Jul 2012 10:38AMYou must be a member to leave a comment.
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Join for free
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
ADVERTISEMENT