Review Date: December 29, 2014
Category: Serious to Advanced Amateur
Photoxels Editor’s Choice – Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.
True compactness with no compromises. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 is impressively ultra compact, yet boasts a 16MP sensor, Micro Four Thirds (mFT) mount that accepts any of the extensive lenses available, a built-in 1,166k-dot electronic viewfinder, and delivers SLR-level image quality and performance. It is a feat of engineering that the Lumix GM5 is smaller than some compact cameras with smaller sensors and fixed lens. The built-in flash is gone but a more versatile hot shoe is included, and a small external flash is bundled in the box.
The retractable LUMIX G VARIO 1:3.5-5.6/12-32 (24-64mm equiv.) ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. comes as a kit and adds to the compactness of the camera. However, as ultra compact as the body is, the camera + lens combination is not jeans pocketable due to the size of the lens. Camera plus 12-32mm kit lens will however easily fit into a coat pocket or handbag.
Wi-Fi (no NFC) allows you to connect the GM5 with your smartphone or tablet for easy picture sharing and transfer.
The availability of Panasonic and Leica-branded lenses that range from an 8mm Fisheye to a 100-300mm Telephoto Zoom with prime, macro and even a 3D lens in between gives the photographer the flexibility to find the right lens for the job. Olympus and third-party manufacturers also provide lenses compatible with the mFT mount.
If you are looking for a small interchangeable lens camera for everyday use or street photography, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 won’t disappoint. It allows you to remain discreete, shoot in complete silence, stay versatile with a huge selection of interchangeable lenses while capturing top-notch images. Highly recommended.
Next: Panasonic GM5 Image Quality
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