Panasonic FZ150 vs. GM5: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

In the landscape of Panasonic cameras, the Lumix FZ150 and the Lumix GM5 occupy distinctive niches separated by about two years and a fundamental shift in camera design philosophy. The FZ150 - announced in 2012 - is Panasonic’s bridge superzoom offering with a vast zoom range and advanced manual controls baked into a fixed-lens form factor. The GM5, launched in 2014, is an ultra-compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless shooter with a focus on image quality and portability.

I’ve logged extensive hands-on hours with both models, pushing them across multiple photography disciplines, and today I’m sharing an in-depth, no-nonsense examination of how these two cameras stack up across form, function, image quality, and real-world usability. Whether you’re hunting for a do-it-all travel companion, a casual superzoom, or a more versatile mirrorless option, this analysis will equip you with the practical insights needed to steer your decision.

Getting a Feel for It: Size, Build, and Handling

Ergonomics often gets overlooked in spec sheets but plays a critical role in how a camera performs day-to-day. The FZ150 is a slightly bulky, SLR-inspired bridge camera with a solid grip and extensive physical controls. The GM5 is strikingly compact, rangefinder-styled, with a stripped-down interface that sacrifices some direct access for portability.

Panasonic FZ150:
The FZ150's body measures roughly 124x82x92 mm and weighs around 528g with battery - substantial but manageable. Its deep handgrip and pronounced dials for exposure compensation, aperture, shutter speed, and a zoom rocker all provide tactile feedback that experienced shooters will appreciate. The 3-inch fully articulating screen, although modest in resolution (460k dots), is flexible enough for challenging angles and video use. Beneath this, an electronic viewfinder occupies a central spot that feels natural for those accustomed to DSLR or advanced bridge cameras. There’s the reassuring heft and sturdiness expected from a Panasonic superzoom, although weather sealing is absent.

Panasonic GM5:
In stark contrast, the GM5 measures 99x60x36 mm with a featherweight 211g, making it exceptionally pocketable - dwarfing the FZ150 in portability. This tiny body still delivers a solid build but favors sleekness over extensive grip. The minimal control layout, topped by a small fixed 3-inch LCD screen of high resolution (921k dots), prioritizes compactness but requires more menu diving or touchscreen use for exposure adjustments. The electronic viewfinder’s resolution of 1,166k pixels and 0.46x magnification impress in such a petite shell, facilitating precise manual focusing and framing.

Verdict:
If physical presence matters - especially for long sessions or handheld stability - the FZ150’s composure wins. For stealthy shooting and convenience on the go, the GM5’s compact design is a clear advantage. Both bodies forgo weather sealing, which is noteworthy for demanding outdoor use.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Superzoom vs. Micro Four Thirds

Sensor technology is the heart of image quality, and Panasonic’s choices in these cameras reflect their intended usage.

Panasonic FZ150:
The FZ150 sports a modest 1/2.3” CMOS sensor - 6.17x4.55 mm, totaling 28.07mm² of area. It pushes 12 megapixels, yielding images sized up to 4000x3000 pixels. The sensor size limits dynamic range and high ISO performance, a typical tradeoff for superzoom convenience. DxO Mark data confirms respectable but constrained performance: overall score of 40, color depth at 19.4 bits, dynamic range of 10.9 EV, and a low-light ISO sensitivity of 132. Not exactly groundbreaking, but within expectations for compact superzoom sensors.

This sensor naturally limits noise performance and detail compared to larger formats, especially under low light. The fixed lens with a maximum aperture from f/2.8 (wide) to f/5.2 (tele) tries to mitigate light challenges, but it’s clear the FZ150 favors reach over ultimate image fidelity.

Panasonic GM5:
In contrast, the GM5 employs a Micro Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm (224.9 mm²), pushing 16 megapixels with a max resolution of 4592x3448 pixels. This larger sensor brings a significant leap in image quality - particularly better color depth (22.1 bits), dynamic range (11.7 EV), and dramatically better low-light ISO performance (ISO 721 vs. 132). These gains translate into cleaner images, more detail in shadows and highlights, and freedom to shoot in more varied lighting conditions.

The dual difference in sensor size and processing manifests most visibly in low key and high-contrast situations.

Real-World Experience:
In controlled tests shooting high-contrast landscapes, the GM5 preserved highlight and shadow detail with superior nuance, especially in RAW. The FZ150’s images required more aggressive highlight clipping to maintain exposure and showed more noise creeping in past ISO 800.

At base ISO, the FZ150’s images still delivered decent color and saturation but fell short of the GM5’s refinement, especially when printing or cropping. For pixel-peepers or those prioritizing print quality and cropping flexibility, the GM5 is the clear winner.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Precision Versus Reach

Autofocus is one of the core experience factors - accurately tracking subjects matters deeply across wildlife, sports, and casual shooting.

The FZ150, being a contrast-detection only AF with 23 focus points but no face or eye detection, delivers somewhat slower and less reliable AF. Panasonics tended to improve speed in bridge cameras post-2012, but the FZ150’s AF can lag, especially in low light or moving subjects. The camera’s continuous shooting maxes at an impressive 12 FPS, but the bulky sensor readout and contrast AF lead to focus hunting and dropped frames under sustained bursts.

The GM5 carries 23 AF points with hybrid contrast detection, but no phase detection on sensor, yet compensates with more sophisticated tracking, face detection, and continuous AF modes. In practice, the GM5’s AF is significantly faster and more versatile for moving subjects - ideal for street scenes, candid shots, and moderately fast action. Its continuous shooting at 5.8 FPS is slower on paper but more useable in burst sequences due to better AF reliability.

Wildlife and Sports:
Neither camera is an out-and-out sports shooter. The FZ150’s 25-600mm equivalent zoom (24x) is attractive for wildlife reach, but focus lag means missing fast-action shots often. The GM5’s lens ecosystem offers better telephoto options but needs you to invest separately.

For tracking birds or athletes, I found the GM5 more dependable - particularly when paired with fast, telephoto Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Lens Flexibility and System Compatibility

This is where the two diverge sharply.

• FZ150: Fixed zoom lens 25-600mm (24x), max aperture f/2.8-f/5.2. No lens changes ability. While the zoom range is extraordinary, optical compromises at the longer end include softness and reduced aperture - affecting image quality.
• GM5: Interchangeable lens system utilizing Micro Four Thirds mount, with access to a vast selection of over 100 lenses ranging from fast primes, macro, wide-angle, and telephoto zooms.

This fundamental difference impacts versatility. The FZ150 is an all-in-one travel zoom with no need to carry extra lenses, perfect for photographers wanting straightforward operation or constrained by budget/weight. The GM5 is an investment in a system expanding alongside your photography skills, delivering superior quality with specialized optics.

Screen and Viewfinder Usability

Both cameras feature electronic viewfinders and 3-inch LCDs, but their implementation varies significantly.

The FZ150’s fully articulating screen facilitates shooting at odd angles and video framing, although its sub-500k dot resolution is limiting for precise manual focus critical tasks. Its viewfinder covers 100% frame with comfortable eye relief but lower resolution might challenge critical focus assessment.

The GM5 sports a fixed 3-inch screen with double the resolution and touch capability, enabling quick menu access, touch-to-focus, and swipe navigation. The high-res OLED electronic viewfinder provides greater detail, enabling confident framing and manual focusing in variable light.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life in real use is often an overlooked pain point.

• FZ150: Rated for approximately 410 shots per charge, respectable for bridge cameras, thanks to more power-efficient back-illuminated sensor and simpler electronics. Handy for day-long shooting without pack bloat.
• GM5: Rated for 220 shots, which is notably less due to compact size and higher-res processing. For travel or events, you’ll likely need spare batteries.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.

Video Capabilities: What About Moving Pictures?

Both cameras can shoot Full HD video with nuanced differences.

• FZ150: Maximum 1920x1080 at 60fps, with AVCHD, MPEG-4, and Motion JPEG options. Includes built-in optical image stabilization, essential for smooth handheld video, plus a microphone port - critical for audiophiles.
• GM5: Also offers 1080p at 60p, 50p, and multiple frame rates, but lacks built-in image stabilization and external mic input, a disadvantage for serious videographers. Wireless connectivity allows remote starts and transfers, which is nice for vloggers.

If video is a priority, the FZ150 is more complete in hardware features despite older codec options.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Now for the essential litmus test - How do these cameras fare in the varied realms we photographers care about?

Panasonic FZ150 front Panasonic FZ150 screen back Panasonic GM5 front Panasonic GM5 screen back

Portrait Photography

The GM5’s larger sensor and superior lens selection bestow smoother, more natural skin tones, and subject-background separation (bokeh). Its face- and eye-detection autofocus yield sharp, expressive portraits.

The FZ150 can approximate portraiture, but at telephoto zoom extension, softness and noise impact image quality. The smaller sensor limits shallow depth-of-field; bokeh is muted and often busy.

Landscape Photography

The GM5’s better dynamic range and resolution shine when capturing subtle tonal variations, from shadowed valleys to bright skies. Paired with quality wide-angle lenses, it’s a winner.

The FZ150’s extensive zoom can zoom in on distant landmarks, but detail falls short of GM5’s crispness. Lack of weather sealing hinders all-weather landscape pursuits on both.

Wildlife Photography

FZ150’s 600mm equivalent zoom is tempting, but its sluggish focus demands patience and luck. The mirrorless GM5, with compatible tele lenses and snappier AF, is more functional if you invest in optics.

Sports Photography

Neither camera targets high-speed sports. FZ150’s 12 FPS shoots fast but focus hunting reduces success. GM5 has better AF tracking but slower burst speed limits capture windows.

Street Photography

GM5 leads for discretion and portability, crucial on city streets. Its fast AF and quiet electronic shutter make it ideal for candid moments. The FZ150’s bulk and louder zoom motor compromise spontaneity.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specialized macro; however, the FZ150’s close focusing at 1cm is a surprise advantage, enabling extreme close-ups with built-in optics. GM5 relies on dedicated macro lenses for best performance.

Night & Astro

GM5’s higher max ISO and lower noise sensibly improve shooting under stars and dim scenes. The FZ150 has optical stabilization for handheld night shots but noisy high-ISO limits image fidelity.

Video Use

FZ150 favored for more video-friendly features discussed earlier; GM5 is a good secondary video tool but lacks microphone port and in-body stabilization.

Travel Photography

The choice depends on balance. FZ150’s all-in-one lens and longer zoom range ease travel packing but at bulk cost. GM5’s small size plus interchangeable lenses appeal for style and quality but may require lens swapping.

Professional Workflows

GM5 supports robust RAW workflow and offers better image fidelity demanded in professional environments. FZ150’s RAW files are serviceable for casual pro use but limited by sensor size.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

GM5 outshines the FZ150 here, with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick image transfer and remote triggering through Panasonic’s app ecosystem. This is particularly handy for on-the-fly social media sharing and remote shooting setups.

FZ150 lacks wireless, relying on USB and HDMI for file transfer and playback - an inconvenience in the modern instant-sharing world.

Price and Value Considerations

At launch, the FZ150 enters at around $499, and the GM5 at near $965. This pricing gap aligns with their positioning: the superzoom accessible and versatile, the compact mirrorless leaning toward enthusiast demands.

Over time, street prices vary, but expect the FZ150 to be the budget option. The GM5 requires investment not only in the body but also in quality lenses to unlock its potential.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Panasonic FZ150 if:

  • You want an affordable, all-in-one superzoom without fussing over lenses.
  • Size and portability are secondary to reach and control.
  • You lean toward travel or wildlife photography with a need for embedded versatility.
  • Video with built-in stabilization and mic input matters.
  • You mostly shoot in good light and accept image quality compromises for convenience.

• Choose the Panasonic GM5 if:

  • You demand higher image quality, dynamic range, and superior low-light performance.
  • Portability, street photography, and candid shooting are priorities.
  • You’re willing to invest in lenses and embrace a Micro Four Thirds system.
  • Connectivity (Wi-Fi/NFC) and touchscreen usability appeal.
  • You want a camera that scales with your skills and can handle serious creative intent.

Technical Insights from Testing Methodology

My conclusions come from standardized methodology combining studio and in-field tests:

• Image quality assessed with RAW processing comparisons under controlled light and varied ISO ramps.
• Autofocus speed/accuracy measured with focus tracking tests involving moving subjects and edge contrast analysis.
• Ergonomics evaluated through prolonged handheld shooting scenarios and user interface navigation timing.
• Video quality tested using stabilized vs. unstabilized handheld panning and external mic use.
• Lens sharpness and distortion checked via resolution charts and real-world landscapes.

These procedures reflect real usage patterns to provide candid, meaningful performance depictions.

Final Thoughts

The Panasonic FZ150 and GM5 are two very different beasts offering compelling but largely divergent experiences. The FZ150 is a sturdy, versatile superzoom with physical controls built for adventure and convenience, trading optical flexibility and ultimate image quality for reach and simplicity. The GM5 embodies the compact mirrorless movement, favoring superior image fidelity, system expandable lenses, and modern connectivity in an elegantly small package - at the cost of higher complexity and investment.

For photographers valuing convenience and zoom power, the FZ150 remains a solid pick in the used market. For those seeking quality and future-proofing in a stylish, pocket-friendly form, the GM5 is a worthy contender despite its age.

Choosing between them boils down to your photography style, budget, and willingness to compromise on size, lenses, or output quality. Hopefully, the detailed comparisons shared here illuminate that path clearly - the best camera is always the one you’ll use to tell your story.

Happy shooting!

End of Review.