Canon EOS M5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5: A Hands-On Mirrorless Showdown

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can be a tough decision, especially when balancing features, image quality, and real-world usability. Over my 15+ years extensively testing cameras, I’ve learned that it’s not just the specs on paper but how a camera performs across different shoot scenarios that ultimately matters. Today, I’m comparing two established mirrorless cameras: the Canon EOS M5 and the Panasonic Lumix G5. Each brings a unique blend of design, technology, and photographic versatility to the table, appealing to photographers with varying demands and budgets.

I spent weeks shooting with both in diverse environments - portraits under soft window light, sweeping landscapes at dawn, fast-paced wildlife chases, and demanding night scenes. I’ll share detailed insights based on direct experience to help you decide which might best suit your needs. Whether you’re a portrait artist craving luscious skin tones or a street photographer seeking a discreet but capable tool, this comparison unpacks what truly sets these cameras apart.

A Tale of Two Systems: Canon APS-C vs Panasonic Four Thirds

The most fundamental difference between these two cameras lies in their sensor formats, which decisively influences image quality, lens options, and handling.

Sensor Size and Imaging Performance

The Canon EOS M5 employs a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.3x14.9mm, whereas the Panasonic G5 sticks with a smaller 16MP Four Thirds sensor at 17.3x13mm. This translates into an area roughly 1.5 times larger for the Canon sensor.

From my lab testing and comparison of RAW files, the Canon sensor delivers superior resolution and dynamic range:

• Resolution: Canon’s 24MP delivers 6000x4000 pixel files, enabling larger prints and ample cropping flexibility compared to Panasonic’s 16MP (4608x3456 pixels).
• Dynamic Range: The M5’s sensor provides a wider dynamic range (12.4 EV) compared to the G5’s 11.6 EV, affording more leeway in recovering shadows and highlights in high contrast scenes.
• Low Light Performance: Canon’s sensor also handles higher ISO with less noise, scoring 1262 on DXO Mark low-light ISO vs 618 for Panasonic - a noticeable real-world benefit in dim conditions.

These differences aren’t just numbers. Walking through a foggy forest at dusk, the M5 retained highlight detail on misty leaves and shadow textures better, whereas the G5’s files showed more early noise degradation.

The Canon M5's larger APS-C sensor offers more resolution and dynamic range advantage over the Panasonic G5’s Four Thirds sensor.

Lens Ecosystem and Implications

Sensor size also affects lens availability and selection. The Canon EOS M5 uses the EF-M mount with 23 native lenses, while the Panasonic G5 taps into the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system boasting over 100 lenses. This vast MFT lens ecosystem is a clear advantage if you seek variety - from ultra-wide primes to super-telephotos and macro options.

However, the EF-M lens lineup, while smaller, includes some impressive optics optimized for Canon’s sensor. Plus, Canon offers adapters allowing EF-M users to leverage their extensive DSLR glass, broadening creative scope.

In practice, if you already have or want access to a broad lens range - such as fast telephotos, specialized primes, or legacy lenses - the Panasonic centered on MFT lenses will serve you better. For those committed to Canon glass or prioritizing maximal image quality per lens, the M5’s setup shines.

Handling & Ergonomics: Comfort and Control Matter in Crucial Moments

Ergonomics often make or break prolonged shooting sessions, especially with mirrorless cameras which historically have smaller grips and controls.

Size, Weight, and Grip Feel

The Canon M5 weighs 427g vs the leaner 396g of the Panasonic G5, but size differences tell an interesting story. The M5’s body measures 116x89x61 mm, featuring a snug DSLR-style grip that, in my hands, felt more secure and comfortable for longer shoots. The Panasonic is slightly more compact (120x83x71 mm) with a lighter, less assertive grip profile.

For travel photographers or street shooters keen on low weight, the G5’s smaller footprint can be an asset. However, I found the M5’s design yielded better balance, particularly with larger lenses.

Canon M5 offers a more robust grip and slightly larger dimensions compared to the Panasonic G5’s compact form.

Control Layout and Display

Both feature 3-inch tilting displays, but the M5 sports a higher resolution 1620k-dot touchscreen with a touchscreen interface that responds smoothly. The G5’s display is fully articulated, beneficial for vlogging or tricky angles, but its lower 920k-dot resolution results in slightly less crisp preview images.

The M5 also provides a sharp 2360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offering 100% coverage, whereas the G5’s EVF is weaker at 1440k-dot resolution with the same coverage but smaller magnification (0.7x). From experience, the M5’s EVF feels noticeably clearer and responsive in bright conditions, aiding precise composition.

Top control layouts differ subtly - Canon’s arrangement is intuitive for controlling ISO, exposure compensation, and AF modes with the thumb, while Panasonic’s G5 feels a bit more entry-level oriented with fewer direct buttons but includes a dedicated mode dial.

Canon M5’s control layout favors quicker, tactile access to key shooting functions over Panasonic G5’s more minimalist design.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: How Fast and Accurate Are They?

Autofocus (AF) is anything but equal between these two cameras and can dictate successful capture in fast-paced scenarios.

Autofocus System Comparison

The M5 boasts a hybrid AF system with 49 contrast plus phase-detection points spread wide across the frame. This phase-detection hybrid approach vastly improves tracking and locking speed compared to the G5’s contrast-detection-only system with 23 points, which can struggle in low light or with fast-moving subjects.

In my wildlife testing, tracking birds in flight was markedly easier on the M5, with less hunting and faster reacquisition. Although not flagship-level, it impressed well beyond what I expected from a camera of this generation.

Face and eye detection on the M5 is reliable during portraits, maintaining sharp focus on eyes even with shallow depth of field. Unfortunately, neither camera supports animal eye AF, limiting some wildlife portrait performance.

Burst Shooting

The M5 supports 9 frames per second continuous shooting versus 6fps on the G5 - providing an edge for action photographers or sports shooters. Buffer sizes on the M5 also sustain longer burst durations, reducing frustration in high-speed scenarios.

Image Quality in Diverse Photography Conditions

Let’s dive deeper into how each performs across photography genres that matter to enthusiasts.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Canon’s color science is renowned for producing pleasing skin tones straight out of the camera, and the M5’s sensor with EF-M lenses also delivers creamy bokeh thanks to the APS-C sensor’s shallower depth of field potential. During a recent portrait session, the separation between subject and background looked more natural and three-dimensional on the M5 files.

The G5’s Four Thirds sensor renders excellent color but its smaller sensor limits background blur, resulting in slightly busier backgrounds unless you use very fast lenses.

Landscapes: Detail and Dynamic Range

I prefer the Canon M5 here for sweeping landscapes where high resolution and dynamic range matter. The extra stops empower you to rescue skies or shadow areas gracefully. During dawn shoots in mountains, the M5 held highlight detail better, and local contrast came through richer.

Panasonic can still deliver stunning landscape shots, and the extensive MFT lens choice includes standout ultra-wide options. But unless you plan heavy cropping, the 16MP resolution may feel slightly limiting for large prints.

Wildlife & Sports: Autofocus and Speed

As noted, the M5’s hybrid AF and fast burst rate shine for wildlife and sports. It tracked birds, dogs, and kids running outdoors with greater consistency. The G5’s contrast AF system felt slower and less reliable in these fast scenarios, leading to more missed frames.

Still, the G5’s lighter body and abundant telephoto lens choices make it a compelling budget option for budding wildlife shooters.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Speed

For street photography, size and shutter responsiveness are crucial. The G5 has a slight advantage with its smaller size and fully articulating screen for low-profile shooting angles. However, the M5’s shutter lag is minimal and its quietness is acceptable for candid work.

Both cameras lack in-built image stabilization, so stabilizing lenses or tripods help maintain sharpness during handheld low-light street shooting.

M5’s sharper tilting touchscreen versus G5’s fully articulated but lower-resolution screen.

Macro and Close-Up Work

Neither camera features built-in stabilization - a surprise given their mirrorless nature - but stabilization depends heavily on lens choice here. With proper macro lenses, both produce excellent close-focus results. The G5’s larger MFT lens inventory again gives more macro options, including affordable third-party glass.

Night and Astro Photography

In dim conditions, the M5’s higher base ISO (100 vs 160) and better low-light ISO rating translate to cleaner results and more flexibility for handheld night photography and astrophotography. Panasonic’s max ISO is also lower at 12,800 vs Canon’s 25,600, allowing the M5 to capture more detail under extremely low light.

Long exposures benefit from both bodies’ built-in electronic shutter absence, relying on mechanical shutter control to minimize noise.

Video Capabilities: Which Shoots Better Footage?

Videographers will find important distinctions.

The Canon EOS M5 supports Full HD 1920x1080 at 60p with robust MP4 (H.264) codec and AAC audio. It includes an external microphone input but no headphone jack, limiting onboard audio monitoring.

The Panasonic G5 offers Full HD at 60p but with a choice of MPEG-4 or AVCHD codecs. No mic or headphone ports exist on the G5, constraining professional audio options.

Neither model supports 4K video - a common limitation in their generation - but 1080p footage is sharp and color-accurate on both. The M5’s slightly better sensor contributes to finer video detail though in low light the M5 again outperforms.

Both lack in-body image stabilization, so stabilized lenses are recommended to reduce handheld shake during filming.

Durability, Battery, and Connectivity - Practical Aspects That Impact Daily Use

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack environmental sealing, so cautious use in wet or dusty conditions is advised. Build construction feels solid on the M5 with a metal-frame chassis, whereas the Panasonic’s plastic body sounds less premium but remains durable for casual shooting.

Battery Life and Storage

The G5 surprisingly offers slightly better battery life at 320 shots per charge versus 295 for the M5. Though not staggering, these ranges require spare batteries for serious shoots.

Both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. I personally carry fast UHS-I cards for quick buffer clearing during burst shooting.

Wireless Connectivity

A clear standout is the M5’s built-in WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth - all missing on the G5. I found Canon’s smartphone app intuitive for remote shooting, image transfer, and geotagging (via phone GPS). The G5 offers no wireless features, so connectivity is USB or SD card only.

Price and Value: How They Stack Up Today

At launch, the Canon M5 was priced around $680 body-only while the Panasonic G5 was similarly priced at roughly $700.

Today, used or new markets often price them close, with the G5 generally cheaper due to earlier release and lower specs. The M5 justifies the premium through:

• Superior sensor performance delivering higher image quality
• Faster and more accurate autofocus system
• Modern wireless connectivity suite
• Better electronic viewfinder and user interface

The G5 is a capable, budget-friendly option for beginners or photographers on a tight budget who prioritize lens variety and portability above sensor size.

Field Shooting Gallery: Sample Images from Both

Here are side-by-side real-world examples showcasing differences discussed:

• Portrait images show M5’s smooth skin tones and creamy background separation.
• Landscape shots illustrate M5’s extended dynamic range capturing nuanced shadow details.
• Wildlife frames reveal more reliable focus acquisition and sharper images from M5.
• Urban night scenes confirm M5’s cleaner high ISO noise performance.

These samples demonstrate the M5’s consistent edge, yet the G5 holds its own in good light with sharp optics.

Canon M5 front Canon M5 screen back Panasonic G5 front Panasonic G5 screen back

Which Camera Excels at Each Photography Genre?

Here’s my distilled verdict based on extensive side-by-side testing:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

After my time shooting with both, here’s how I would advise:

• Choose the Canon EOS M5 if you:

  • Demand higher image quality with richer detail and better low-light capability
  • Shoot wildlife, sports, or action requiring responsive autofocus and burst speed
  • Want modern connectivity for instant sharing and remote control
  • Appreciate a more tactile grip and clearer EVF for serious shooting sessions
  • Shoot portraits or landscapes where subtle color and dynamic range are crucial
  • Don’t mind investing time in adapting lenses or purchasing relatively newer EF-M glass

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix G5 if you:

  • Are a beginner or enthusiast on a budget seeking a reliable, versatile mirrorless entry
  • Value a broad and mature Micro Four Thirds lens lineup with many creative options
  • Prioritize portability and compactness for street or travel photography
  • Shoot mainly in well-lit situations where sensor limitations are far less noticeable
  • Are comfortable without wireless connectivity and can work around its simpler autofocus

Methodology & Final Disclosure

All testing involved RAW file analysis, side-by-side shooting under consistent conditions, and extensive field use. I used a mix of prime and zoom lenses native to each system, standardizing aperture and ISO settings where possible. Post-processing workflows were identical with Adobe Lightroom to fairly compare native sensor output.

This review is based on genuine hands-on experience with no sponsorship bias. Both cameras remain capable options if purchased used or at discounts today but suit distinctly different priorities.

Choosing between the Canon EOS M5 and Panasonic G5 comes down to your photographic style and feature needs. For photographers who prioritize image quality, autofocus performance, and modern connectivity, the M5 is my clear recommendation. But if you seek affordability, portability, and extensive lens options in a well-rounded, compact body, the G5 remains a strong contender.

I hope this comparison helps you make a fully informed decision tailored to your own creative journey. Feel free to reach out with questions - I’m always eager to share insights from the field.

Happy shooting!