Panasonic FH5 vs Panasonic GM1

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FH5 and Panasonic GM1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the GM1 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the FH5 (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The FH5 was announced 3 years prior to the GM1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the FH5 matches up vs the GM1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery & Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH5 provides physical measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GM1 has sizing of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH5 and Panasonic GM1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH5 versus the GM1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and GM1 is 96 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing specs. The graphic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and GM1.

All in all, both cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The FH5 provides the smaller sensor which should make getting bokeh more difficult. The older FH5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.