Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic Lumix G1: A Tale of Two Mirrorless Generations

When it comes to choosing a mirrorless camera, the landscape is vast and varied, stretching from entry-level models designed to lure beginners to advanced workhorses aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals. Today’s comparison pits two very different but historically significant cameras against each other: the Nikon Z5, launched in 2020, and the Panasonic Lumix G1, which made waves back in 2009 as one of the pioneering mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

These two are more than just cameras; they’re snapshots of mirrorless evolution over a decade apart. While the Z5 is a full-frame, advanced mirrorless offering from one of the biggest names in photography, the G1 is a Four Thirds, entry-level mirrorless camera that pushed the envelope in its time. The question isn’t only about specs but about real-world use: how do they measure up across photography disciplines now, and do old-school roots still hold some charm?

Let's dive deep - ergonomics, sensor tech, autofocus prowess, and yes, even bokeh and battery life - in a way that honors both cameras’ respective eras and helps you find your ideal match.

Getting a Grip: Size, Feel, and Usability

Consider the feel of a camera before the pixels. A camera must be the photographer’s ally, designed for intuitive control and comfortable handling during marathon shoots or spontaneous street captures.

Right off the bat, the Nikon Z5’s body feels reassuringly substantial. At 675 grams and a physical footprint of 134 x 101 x 70mm, it commands presence in hand while remaining comfortably portable. Nikon’s SLR-style mirrorless design emphasizes a pronounced grip - a boon during long sessions, especially with heavier lenses. You’ll find thoughtfully placed buttons, a joystick for focus point selection, and a touch-sensitive tilting LCD that responds to your fingertip commands. This is a camera built with ergonomics in mind, keeping experienced shooters happy.

In contrast, the Panasonic G1 feels distinctly lighter and smaller, weighing just 360 grams with dimensions of 124 x 84 x 45mm. Its compactness echoes its original role as an entry-level model targeted at consumers transitioning from compact cameras or DSLRs. The G1’s grip is more modest - adequate but less sculpted - and the control layout is simpler, which might delight beginners but feel limiting once you crave quick access to advanced settings.

If photography marathons and hand comfort are a priority, the Z5’s robust build wins hands down, while the G1’s nimbleness encourages portability and discreetness. Both bodies are SLR-style mirrorless designs, but the Z5 benefits from a decade of design refinements.

Command Central: Control Layout and Interface

Controls matter as much as image quality; intuitive layouts and responsive interfaces can make or break the shooting experience.

Looking down from the top, the Nikon Z5 reveals a well-thought-out control scheme featuring a top LCD panel (albeit lacking illuminated buttons) and dedicated dials for exposure adjustment, mode selection, and exposure compensation. This facilitates quick manual adjustments without diving into menus. The inclusion of dual card slots is also a professional-grade touch, enabling simultaneous backup or extended shooting.

The Panasonic G1, true to its entry-level roots, offers a more minimalistic top deck. A single mode dial, a shutter button, and fewer dedicated buttons mean more menu diving - which might be cumbersome in fast-paced environments.

On the back, the Z5 sports a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040k-dot resolution, supporting touch focus and intuitive navigation. While the G1 offers a slightly smaller 3-inch fully articulating screen with a 460k-dot resolution, it lacks touchscreen capability - a limitation notably felt when reviewing shots or navigating menus in 2024.

Ultimately, Nikon’s interface pushes the envelope with its tactile feedback and touch-enabled display, fitting for both novices and professionals who need speed and precision. Panasonic G1’s simpler controls, while user-friendly, may impose a speed bump for advanced photo scenarios.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality

Sensor tech is where these two cams part ways the most profoundly. Sensor size, resolution, and processing prowess directly impact image fidelity, noise performance, and dynamic range.

The Nikon Z5 boasts a full-frame 35.9 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor delivering 24 megapixels. This sensor, combined with Nikon’s EXPEED 6 processor, delivers clean images with rich detail, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range. Full-frame sensors excel in low-light conditions, providing high ISO flexibility (native ISO 100 to 51200, expandable to 50–102400). The Z5 includes an anti-aliasing filter, which modestly tempers crispness for moiré suppression but is a reasonable trade-off for most.

The Panasonic G1, meanwhile, is equipped with a much smaller Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) and 12 megapixels resolution. While it was a respectable performer a decade ago, it inherently carries limitations in noise handling and dynamic range, reflected in its modest DXO low-light ISO score of 463 (by comparison, full-frame modern cameras easily surpass ISO 6400 with clean results). The G1 also employs an anti-aliasing filter, common for the era.

In practice, the Z5’s sensor provides superior clarity, detail, and shadow recovery. That’s especially evident in demanding scenarios like landscape and portraiture, where subtle tonal gradations and fine textures matter.

In Focus: Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

Modern autofocus systems are marvels of engineering - blending speed, precision, and subject tracking, including sophisticated eye and animal detection.

The Nikon Z5 utilizes a hybrid autofocus system with 273 focus points, combining phase-detection and contrast-detection for swift and accurate focus acquisition. Crucially, it features face and eye detection AF for humans and animals, a game-changer in portrait and wildlife photography.

The Panasonic G1 offers contrast-detection AF only, with fewer focus points and no eye or animal detection. While adequate for static subjects or controlled environments, it can struggle with moving subjects or challenging light - e.g., sports or wildlife action.

In continuous AF tracking and burst shooting, the Z5’s 4.5 fps frame rate and robust AF system, while not blistering compared to sports-centric cameras, suffice for everyday action. The G1’s 3 fps continuous shooting paired with its AF is understandably dated, making it less suitable for demanding action photography.

From personal experience, I often found the Z5’s eye-detection AF invaluable in moments where I couldn’t afford to miss a fleeting look or pose - something the G1 simply can’t replicate.

Show Me the Picture: Viewfinder and Screen Experience

For crafting images, optical and electronic viewfinders and LCD screens are your portals.

The Nikon Z5 sports a 3,690k-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.8x magnification, offering a bright, crisp preview of your composition with minimal lag. This clarity aids precise framing and focus assessment. The tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD further enhances usability in awkward angles.

Panasonic’s G1 features an electronic viewfinder, but the specifications are vague, and resolution was limited when new. Its fully articulating 3-inch rear LCD has lower pixel count and lacks touch functionality, making interaction a bit more clunky.

For me, the Z5’s EVF is a joy to use during prolonged shoots - reducing eye fatigue and improving exposure judgment on-the-fly.

Painting with Light: Performance Across Genres

How do these two fare across the wide spectrum of photography? Let’s break it down.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tones, flattering bokeh, and sharp eye focus.

The Nikon Z5, with its 24MP full-frame sensor, produces creamy bokeh especially with fast Nikkor Z lenses. Its eye detection ensures critical focus exactly where it counts - on the eyes. Skin tones are rendered naturally, with broad dynamic range preserving subtle highlights and shadows.

The G1’s smaller sensor and Four Thirds lenses tend to yield less shallow depth of field, and with no eye detection, you’ll rely on manual focus finesse or lucky guesswork. Skin rendering is somewhat flatter, and bokeh less immersive.

Verdict: Z5 wins hands down for portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes benefit from resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing.

The Nikon Z5’s sensor delivers excellent dynamic range - vital for pulling detail from shadows and skies. It has weather sealing, allowing confidence in varied conditions. Its 6016x4016 images provide room for large prints or cropping.

The G1, limited in sensor area and resolution, also lacks environmental sealing - a consideration when shooting outdoors in challenging weather. Its dynamic range is more constrained, meaning highlights might clip or shadows block up.

Verdict: Z5 for serious landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife needs fast autofocus, telephoto compatibility, and high burst rates.

Nikon’s Z mount has grown rapidly, now boasting over 15 lenses, including excellent telephotos designed for full-frame - giving the Z5 a stereoscopic advantage. Its hybrid AF prism and eye detection help track errant subjects.

Panasonic’s G1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, with a massive 100+ lens ecosystem. The 2.1x crop factor effectively extends telephoto reach - attracting wildlife shooters on a budget. But contrast-detection AF and lower burst rate limit capture success in fast action.

Verdict: Nikon for AF sophistication; Panasonic for reach and lens variety.

Sports Photography

High-speed tracking and frame rates dominate this genre.

Neither camera is a speed demon, but the Z5’s 4.5 fps and continuous autofocus do beat the G1’s 3 fps. Z5’s eye detection can assist in tracking athletes’ faces during play. Low-light ISO performance also helps indoor sports.

The G1 struggles here due to AF speed and sensor sensitivity constraints.

Verdict: Z5 is the more capable sports shooter.

Street Photography

Street photography prizes discretion, portability, and quick responsiveness.

Here, the Panasonic G1 shines with its smaller form factor and lighter weight, perfect for candid shots and long urban walks. Its silent shooting modes (though limited) and less conspicuous design make it less intimidating.

The Z5, while portable compared to DSLRs, still commands more attention. However, its superior ISO performance aids shooting in low light venues or twilight.

Verdict: G1 for old-school stealth; Z5 for low-light versatility.

Macro Photography

Close focusing precision and stabilization are paramount.

The Z5 includes sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, a boon for handheld macro work, paired with macro-capable Z lenses. Focus bracketing capability adds to creative flexibility.

The G1 lacks in-body stabilization and focus bracketing - likely needing a strong tripod and external stabilization.

Verdict: Z5 offers better macro tools.

Night & Astrophotography

High ISO and long exposures define this niche.

With top ISO reaching 51,200 natively (expandable to 102,400), the Nikon Z5 can capture the Milky Way with relatively clean results; its robust EXPEED processor handles noise well.

The G1, maxing at ISO 1600 (expandable to 3200), falls short here, resulting in pronounced noise and less detail retention.

Verdict: Z5 is the clear astrophotography pick.

Video Capabilities

Video shooters want 4K, stabilization, and audio ports.

The Z5 records 4K UHD at 24, 25, and 30 fps, supports microphone and headphone jacks, and offers sensor-based stabilization - making it a more serious option for hybrid shooters.

Conversely, the G1 does not support video recording beyond stills and lacks external audio inputs.

Verdict: Z5 for anyone mixing stills/video.

Travel Photography

A balance of versatility, battery life, and size counts here.

The Z5, though heavier, has excellent battery life (~470 shots), dual memory card slots, and weather sealing - all reassuring on the road.

The G1’s lightweight body means less shoulder fatigue, although its shorter battery life (~330 shots) and single card slot are minor drawbacks.

Verdict: G1 for ultra-light travel; Z5 for robust, competitive travel kit.

Professional Workflows

Professionals demand stability, file formats, and workflow integration.

The Nikon Z5 supports 14-bit RAW files, dual UHS-II SD cards, and integrates well with Nikon’s Capture NX-D and third-party tools.

The G1 shoots 12-bit RAW files but lacks dual card slots and has slower USB 2.0 transfer speeds, which can bottleneck workflows.

Verdict: Z5 is pro-ready; G1 feels dated.

Building for the Journey: Durability and Battery Life

Both cameras eschew extreme ruggedization but have different sealing and battery endurance.

The Nikon Z5 features environmental sealing to resist dust and moisture, a welcome feature for outdoor pros. The battery life (rated at 470 shots per charge) is among the best in mirrorless cameras under $1500, helped by the efficient EN-EL15c battery.

The Panasonic G1 does not offer weather sealing and has moderate battery life at 330 shots, typical of early mirrorless models.

Battery-wise, Nikon's Z5 gives the peace of mind of longer shooting sessions before hunting for an outlet.

Connectivity and Storage

Wireless connectivity matters for modern workflows.

The Nikon Z5 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote control and image transfer to smartphones - features conspicuously missing from the G1's more humble USB 2.0 implementation and no wireless options.

For storage, the Z5’s dual UHS-II SD slots appeal to professionals for redundancy or overflow, while the G1 has a single slot compatible with SD/SDHC/SDMMC cards.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Performance Scores and Value

While Nikon’s Z5 hasn’t seen DxO Mark’s full battery of tests, its sensor lineage suggests strong performance far beyond the G1’s ratings. The G1 clocked a modest 53 DxO Mark score, reflecting its older Four Thirds sensor tech.

Genre-specific performance further highlights their respective strengths.

Nikon’s Z5 excels in portrait, landscape, low-light, and video categories, while Panasonic’s G1 holds its ground in portability and lenses (a massive Micro Four Thirds roadmap).

Gallery: Real-World Image Comparisons

Here are sample images from each camera side by side to appreciate their output differences. Notice the superior dynamic range and detail in Z5 files versus the G1’s older sensor limitations.

Nikon Z5 front Nikon Z5 screen back Panasonic G1 screen back

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Who should buy the Nikon Z5?

If you are an enthusiast or professional eager to leverage modern full-frame imaging, impressive autofocus, better low-light ability, and 4K video, the Z5 nails it. It’s a versatile tool for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and hybrid workflow shooters alike. Its relatively accessible price of around $1400 makes it a compelling choice for quality-seekers on a budget.

Who should consider the Panasonic G1?

If you’re a budget-conscious hobbyist or collector curious about mirrorless history, or require a lightweight setup for street or casual travel photography, the G1 still offers an accessible entry point - particularly if paired with affordable Micro Four Thirds lenses. However, for serious photography beyond casual use, its aging technology shows its limits.

Wrapping Up

Comparing the Nikon Z5 and Panasonic Lumix G1 is like contrasting a sturdy modern sports car with a pioneer-era compact that first popularized the segment. Each holds merit in its context. The Z5 represents current mirrorless maturity with a thoughtful blend of image quality and usability, whereas the G1 is a nostalgic look at the roots of the system - still functional, but clearly showing its age.

Whatever your choice, understanding these differences not only informs your purchase but deepens appreciation for how far mirrorless cameras have come. As someone who’s spent countless hours testing cameras across genres, I can attest that the Z5’s balance of features and performance make it a smart, future-proof pick - unless size, weight, or budget push you toward the leaner G1.

Happy shooting, whatever your mirrorless journey!

Author’s note: The opinions expressed are based on extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, seasoned with candid insights gathered over years in the trenches of camera evaluation.