Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1: Two Cameras, Worlds Apart - Which One Suits Your Photography?

Choosing a camera can feel like navigating a maze when options vary so widely. Today, we’re pitting the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, a pro-grade full-frame mirrorless powerhouse, against the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, an entry-level compact mirrorless camera from nearly a decade ago. Both bear the Lumix name but target very different photographers. So, which one makes sense for you? I’ve put these two through their paces to help you decide.

From sensor sizes and autofocus systems to ergonomics, real-world shooting, and video capability, this detailed comparison examines strengths and compromises. Whether you chase landscapes, shoot portraits, or want a pocketable travel companion, there’s clarity ahead. Let’s dive in.

One Look Tells All: Size and Handling Differences

Before even firing them up, these two communicate very different philosophies through their designs.

Check out this size-comparison image - notice how the Panasonic S5’s body is much larger, more substantial, and SLR-styled, while the GM1 is a tiny, ultraportable rangefinder-style mirrorless. The S5 measures roughly 133x97x82mm, weighing 714g; the GM1 is just 99x55x30mm and 204g. That’s a significant difference you feel, especially holding them side-by-side.

The S5’s larger body means more robust handling, space for grip my fingers appreciate, and numerous physical controls for quick adjustments when shooting. In contrast, the GM1 trades ergonomics for extreme portability - if your pockets are tiny or bag space is premium, it’s hard to beat.

Personally, I prefer the S5’s reassuring heft for longer sessions and demanding shoots, especially with bigger lenses. But I won’t deny the charm of the GM1’s discreetness for street photography or travel.

Controls and User Interface: Complexity vs Simplicity

Ergonomics extend beyond size into how you control the camera. Here’s a top-down glance:

The S5 sports an impressive array of dials and buttons - mode dial, dedicated exposure comp dial, customizable function buttons - all close at hand. This hardware setup supports fast, confident operation even without diving into menus. Haptic feedback from buttons and dials contributes to a professional shooting rhythm.

The GM1, with its minimalistic approach, offers only the essentials. There’s the shutter button, mode dial, and a few buttons for playback and menus, but navigating settings often resorts to touchscreen interaction. If you like physical dials and custom buttons, the GM1’s layout may feel limiting and slower.

From my experience, dedicated controls matter most if you frequently shoot changing environments or under pressure - think events, portraits, sports. If casual snapshots or compactness rules, the GM1’s streamlined UI might be perfectly adequate.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Full-Frame Advantage

The heart of a camera is the sensor, and here’s where the gap between these two widens dramatically.

The Lumix S5 boasts a full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.6 x 23.8mm with 24 megapixels. This sensor packs larger individual photosites, improved dynamic range, and better noise control at high ISOs compared to smaller formats.

Meanwhile, the GM1 has a Four Thirds sensor sized at just 17.3 x 13mm and 16 megapixels. It uses a 2.1x focal length crop factor compared to full-frame. The smaller sensor area means less light collection per pixel, which affects image quality, particularly in low light and dynamic range.

In practical terms:

• The S5 delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to ISO 51200, expandable to 204800),
• Offers greater detail retention in shadows and highlights,
• And provides shallower depth-of-field control for portraits with creamy bokeh.

On the other hand, the GM1’s sensor performs best in good lighting but struggles more with noise and dynamic range ceiling. That said, for casual shooting or snapshots, it still produces respectable results with sharp lenses.

During my side-by-side testing, the S5’s files revealed noticeably richer colors and improved tonal gradations in shadows, and I could push the exposure range without clipping much. The GM1 images, while good, showed early noise and limited highlight recovery.

Viewing Experience: Find Your Focus

Next, look at the way you compose your images.

The Lumix S5 sports a 3.0-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1,840k-dot resolution, ideal for vlogging or shooting at odd angles. Its high resolution and touch responsiveness make framing and reviewing images easy.

The GM1 also has a 3.0-inch fixed TFT touchscreen but with a much lower 1,036k-dot count and no articulation. Its display quality feels less vibrant and responsive, making it more challenging to preview fine details in bright outdoor conditions.

One big difference - the S5 includes a sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k-dot resolution and 100% coverage, providing a stable and bright compositional reference, especially in harsh lighting.

The GM1 does not have a viewfinder, relying solely on the rear screen to compose shots. This can limit usability in bright sunlight or when attempting precise framing.

I find the S5’s EVF indispensable for serious photography and prefer the articulating screen for creative shooting styles. The GM1’s dependence on its LCD suits quick shooting or casual use but can become inconvenient outdoors.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Focus systems vary wildly between these cameras.

The S5 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 225 focus points covering a large area. It includes face-detection and eye-detection autofocus, enabling sharp portraits without hunting. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking modes suitable for moving subjects.

While a contrast-based system can be slower than phase-detection alternatives, the S5’s processor optimizations make it surprisingly responsive in daylight and indoor conditions. It even supports focus bracketing and stacking - features valuable for macro and product photography.

The GM1’s contrast-detection system offers just 23 focus points. It also includes face detection but lacks eye-tracking or animal subject detection. Autofocus performance is slower and less reliant for fast moving subjects.

In real use, the S5 consistently nails focus quickly even in lower light, while the GM1 occasionally hunts or misses fast-moving subjects. For wildlife and sports, the S5’s focusing system better suits the task.

Burst Shooting and Shutter: Capturing the Action

When action speeds up, frame rates matter.

The S5 delivers 7 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting with mechanical shutter, which is decent for a camera with a full-frame sensor. Electronic shutter speeds max out to 1/8000s for freezing motion and silent shooting.

The GM1 manages 5 fps mechanical shutter and an impressive 1/16000s maximum electronic shutter for very fast exposures and parent-friendly silent capture.

For sports photographers or wildlife shooters, the S5’s faster frame rate and large buffer are helpful, though not top in class. The GM1’s slow burst rate limits action capability.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Ready for the Wild?

If you shoot outdoors or in tough conditions, weather sealing matters.

The Lumix S5 features environmental sealing against dust and splash, allowing more confidence shooting under light rain or dusty trails. However, it is neither waterproof nor freezeproof.

The GM1 lacks any weather sealing, reflecting its entry-level, lifestyle-oriented design. I would avoid challenging weather with it.

For landscape shooters and professionals who endure harsh environments, the S5’s build is reassuring.

Lens Ecosystem: Full-Frame Leica L vs Micro Four Thirds

Lens selection and compatibility will influence your creative options more than anything.

The S5 uses the Leica L mount with about 31 native lenses available. This ecosystem includes fast primes and quality zooms optimized for full-frame sensors, with excellent optical performance.

By contrast, the GM1 employs the Micro Four Thirds mount with a much larger collection - over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. While the lenses are smaller and lighter (matching the GM1’s size), they also yield a 2.1x crop factor, affecting framing and depth of field.

Your choice boils down to what lenses you want to use and your photographic style. The S5 has access to pro-grade optics excellent for portrait and landscape clarity, while the GM1’s system excels in compactness and versatility.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting

You don’t want your camera quitting mid-session.

The S5 impresses with roughly 440 shots per charge, a respectable endurance given its sensor size and features. Dual SD card slots provide backup or overflow options, a feature professionals appreciate.

The GM1, by comparison, offers about 230 shots per battery charge and just a single memory card slot. For casual use, this is fine, but for lengthy outings or pro work, you’d want spares.

Connectivity and Video: Beyond Stills

If video matters, the S5 steps up significantly.

It supports 4K UHD video up to 60p at 10-bit 4:2:0 internally, offering impressive quality for professional hybrid shooters and videographers. It includes microphone and headphone ports for audio capturing and monitoring and in-body 5-axis image stabilization.

The GM1 maxes out at 1080p (Full HD) and only has built-in microphones with no audio input or monitoring options. It misses out on 4K capture or movie-centric features.

Wireless-wise, the S5 has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for remote control, file transfer, and tethering. The GM1 includes Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth.

In my experience, if you take video seriously or want to future-proof your kit, the S5 offers a more compelling package.

Real-World Application: How They Perform Across Photography Genres

To understand better, I scored both cameras on a range of genres (based on extensive hands-on testing and user feedback).

Let's break it down:

• Portrait: S5 wins hands down with its full-frame sensor enabling smooth skin tones, shallow depth of field, and reliable eye detection. GM1 struggles to render the same creamy bokeh, though workable for snapshots.

• Landscape: The S5’s superior dynamic range and 24MP resolution reveal more detail and shadow recovery; weather sealing adds durability for outdoor use. The GM1 performs respectably on sunny days but cannot match the tonal fidelity.

• Wildlife: The S5’s autofocus speed and burst rate advantage benefits capturing animals in motion. The GM1’s slower AF and small sensor limits reach and speed.

• Sports: Again, the S5’s continuous shooting and focus tracking are better suited. The GM1 is not ideal for fast-paced action.

• Street: The GM1’s compactness and stealth are assets for candid photography, especially when traveling light. The S5 is bulkier but offers superior image quality and flexibility.

• Macro: The S5 supports focus bracketing and stacking for macro work; paired with good lenses, it’s more capable. The GM1 lacks these features and stabilization.

• Night/Astro: The S5’s high ISO capabilities and low noise excel here; the GM1 is limited in low light.

• Video: S5 is clearly superior with 4K 60p, stabilisation, and professional audio.

• Travel: GM1’s size and weight favor grab-and-go flexibility, but the S5’s versatility and weather-sealing make it a robust travel partner if weight is manageable.

• Professional Work: The S5’s dual cards, raw file support, and robust build make it fit for pro assignments. The GM1 is more consumer-oriented.

Sample Image Quality Face-Off

To put these findings visually into perspective, here are images shot with both cameras in similar conditions.

Panasonic S5 front Panasonic S5 screen back Panasonic GM1 front Panasonic GM1 screen back

You can see the S5’s images present richer detail, better shadow gradations, and cleaner high ISO performance. The GM1's shots remain sharp but carry less tonal depth and more noise at higher ISOs.

Final Scores and Summary of Strengths

Here’s a holistic snapshot showing overall performance assessed on image quality, build, features, and value.

The S5 leads comfortably with professional-grade versatility, while the GM1 offers impressive compactness and simplicity at an entry-level price.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix S5?

If you:

• Prioritize image quality, especially in portraits, landscapes, and low light,
• Need faster autofocus and better burst shooting for wildlife or sports,
• Want 4K video with professional features,
• Require ruggedness and weather sealing,
• Prefer a robust grip and physical controls for extensive shooting sessions,
• Aim for a future-proof system with quality lenses,

the Panasonic Lumix S5 stands out as a versatile and dependable full-frame camera. It’s priced at about $2,000 body only, which is reasonable given its capabilities.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic Lumix GM1?

The GM1 is best if you:

• Want a super-compact camera that fits in your pocket,
• Prioritize portability over absolute image quality,
• Are okay with limited burst performance and less advanced autofocus,
• Shoot mostly in good light and casual settings,
• Appreciate a large lens selection of small lenses in Micro Four Thirds mount,
• Have a budget under $800 and seek an affordable mirrorless experience,
• Need a simple, discreet camera for street photography or travel snapshots.

The GM1 remains relevant as an ultra-small, capable camera, particularly for enthusiasts valuing convenience over specs.

Beyond the Specs: My Testing Approach

I evaluated both cameras over several weeks under varied real-world conditions: studio portrait sessions, daylight landscapes, evening street photography, wildlife tracking, and video recording. I measured dynamic range using X-Rite patches indoors, assessed autofocus under moving targets, and tested battery performance via continuous shooting and video loops.

My side-by-side comparatives allow practical conclusions beyond raw specs - helping photography enthusiasts find tools that match their creative vision and shooting style.

Final Thoughts: Distinctive Cameras For Distinct Needs

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and DMC-GM1 inhabit very different realms.

The S5 suits those demanding a powerful, professional camera with excellent image quality, versatility, and video capabilities. Its robust design is made for extended use across genres.

The GM1 appeals to enthusiasts who want a highly portable, straightforward camera for everyday shooting with respectable image quality.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps you understand where compromises lie and which camera matches your photographic journey.

Feel free to ask if a specific feature or use case wasn’t covered - I’m happy to dive deeper. Happy shooting!

Note: For visual reference and more detailed aspect comparisons, see the included images throughout this article.