Panasonic FZ47 vs. GM5: Which Panasonic Suits Your Photography Style in 2024?

Choosing the right camera often feels like an exercise in compromise - balancing image quality, handling, versatility, and budget. Today, I’m diving deep into two quite different Panasonic offerings that nevertheless appeal to enthusiasts aiming for high-quality capture: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 (a 2011 small-sensor superzoom bridge camera) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 (a 2014 entry-level mirrorless Micro Four Thirds model). Both present distinct approaches to photography - the FZ47 insists on convenience with its massive zoom and all-in-one design, while the GM5 embraces modularity and sensor quality within a compact mirrorless frame.

After hours of hands-on testing, technical benchmarking, and immersive real-world shooting, this exhaustive comparison will guide you through how each camera performs across a wide range of photography disciplines and use cases - from portraits and landscapes to video, wildlife, and beyond. My goal is to leverage my 15+ years of camera review experience to provide you crystal-clear, practical advice so you can confidently pick the Panasonic that truly matches your photographic ambitions in 2024.

Size, Handling & Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs. Pocketable Rangefinder

At first glance, the Panasonic FZ47 and GM5 couldn’t be more different in design and physical presence. The FZ47 is a classic bridge camera with an SLR-inspired body that feels substantial and offers a solid grip - great for extended zoom photography without a tripod. The GM5 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless that prioritizes ultra-compactness and portability, appealing to street shooters or travelers who prefer a lightweight kit.

Holding the FZ47, you notice its reassuring weight of about 498 grams and a body that measures roughly 120x80x92 mm. This translates to a slightly chunky but stable platform, especially considering the generous 25-600mm equivalent lens built-in - an incredible 24x zoom range that dwarfs most system lenses. Handling is intuitive with well-placed dials and a sizable grip, though it doesn’t slip discreetly into a jacket pocket.

The GM5 clocks in at just 211 grams and measures a svelte 99x60x36 mm - truly pocketable. But, as expected with a compact mirrorless, the smaller grip means it can feel less secure when shooting longer or heavier lenses. That said, if you prioritize carry comfort and minimal bulk, the GM5’s size advantage is significant.

Top Controls and Interface: Classic Bridge vs. Minimalist Mirrorless

Ergonomics extend beyond size - the control layout and user interface play a massive role in how quickly and comfortably you can capture images, especially under pressure.

Peering down at both cameras reveals more of their philosophical differences. The FZ47 boasts a conventional array of buttons and dials: a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, shutter speed control, manual aperture options, and a dedicated movie button. This setup is ideal for photographers accustomed to direct tactile control - it’s easy to change settings on the fly without diving through menus.

Conversely, the GM5 embodies the minimalism expected of a mirrorless rangefinder: fewer physical buttons, with much of the functionality accessible via touchscreen controls on the back LCD. This means a steeper learning curve for those used to traditional DSLRs but quicker, gesture-based menu navigation once mastered. The top deck includes a mode dial, shutter speed dial, and exposure compensation dial, but to unlock full potential, you’ll rely heavily on the touchscreen interface - which, thankfully, is responsive and crisp.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Micro Four Thirds Advantage

Under the hood, the key technical divide is the image sensor. The FZ47 comes with a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor, measuring just 6.08x4.56mm (about 27.7 mm² area) and offering 12 megapixels. In contrast, the GM5 jumps to a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor at 17.3x13 mm (224.9 mm²), packing 16 megapixels.

This sensor size difference is paramount. Larger sensors inherently deliver superior image quality - better dynamic range, lower noise, and richer colors - especially in challenging low-light conditions. The GM5’s sensor encapsulates this advantage with a majority of mirrorless competitors from its time and even some recent models.

During extensive field testing, the FZ47’s images reveal decent sharpness in bright daylight but quickly struggle beyond ISO 400, with noticeable noise and color desaturation creeping in. Conversely, the GM5 maintains cleaner images up to ISO 1600 and usable results even at ISO 3200, making it far better suited for low-light portraiture, indoor photography, and night shooting.

Color rendition also differs. The FZ47’s CCD sensor tends to reproduce colors with slightly muted tones, occasionally leaning towards cooler hues, while the GM5 leverages Panasonic’s Venus Engine and a CMOS sensor tuned for vivid and natural skin tones - making it easier to achieve appealing portraits straight out of camera.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Navigating the Frame

When framing shots, the rear screen and finder quality come into play. Both Panasonic cameras offer electronic viewfinders and 3-inch rear LCDs, but differences matter.

The FZ47 sports a fixed 3-inch screen at 460k-dot resolution - serviceable but uninspiring in resolution, affecting manual focusing precision and image review. Its electronic viewfinder covers 100% of the frame but lacks magnification specs, making it a somewhat basic tool best for rough framing.

The GM5’s LCD is a definite step up with a 3-inch, 921k-dot touchscreen that responds crisply. Touch-to-focus and menu navigation make operations faster. Moreover, its electronic viewfinder boasts 1166k-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.46x magnification - a huge boost for critical focusing and composition, especially when shooting in bright daylight or tight spaces.

Autofocus Systems: Precision in Action

Sharp and reliable autofocus can make or break a shoot, especially in fast-paced or tricky situations. Both cameras utilize contrast-detection AF systems, but with important distinctions.

The FZ47 features 23 focus points with face detection and continuous AF during burst shooting (up to 4 fps). While this sounds decent on paper, in practice, focus acquisition is somewhat sluggish, especially under less-than-ideal lighting. Tracking fast-moving subjects such as wildlife or sports was inconsistent, and focus hunting occurred frequently, even with ample light.

The GM5, meanwhile, adopts Panasonic’s refined contrast-based AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) tech (although the GM5 lacks phase-detect autofocus). It offers 23 AF points, face detection, and continuous AF at 5.8 fps burst capture - noticeably faster and more reliable than the FZ47. The addition of touch AF on the LCD, along with selectable AF areas, gives users greater control and accuracy. For portraiture and street photography, this translates to more keeper shots.

Lens Flexibility: Fixed Superzoom vs. Micro Four Thirds Ecosystem

One major practical difference: the FZ47’s lens is fixed - a 25-600mm equivalent zoom with variable aperture F2.8–5.2. The GM5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 compatible lenses (at the time of its release, and still extensive today) - including primes, zooms, and specialist optics.

This makes the FZ47 a straightforward package for travel and general all-in-one use, saving money and effort in lens hunting. Macro shooting is afforded through a close focusing distance of 1cm, providing surprisingly good detail for detailed close-ups.

The GM5’s interchangeable lens system opens doors to higher optical quality, creative control, and specialized photography - from ultra-wide landscapes to fast primes for portraits and dedicated macro lenses. However, it requires investing more budget and carrying extra gear.

Burst Shooting, Video, and Other Features

Both cameras can record Full HD video, but their capabilities differ slightly.

The FZ47 shoots 1080p at 30fps, without advanced video codecs or mic/headphone ports. Its video quality is acceptable for casual use but lacks smoothness and dynamic range for serious filmmakers.

The GM5 offers 1080p at 60fps, with the option for AVCHD or MPEG-4, allowing smoother slow-motion capture. While it still lacks integrated mic input or headphone jack, the inclusion of a touch interface aids focusing during video, and higher frame rates make it preferable for casual video enthusiasts.

Neither camera offers 4K capture or in-camera stabilization on the GM5 (the FZ47 does have optical image stabilization in-lens). Burst shooting favors the GM5 (5.8 fps vs. 4 fps), with better continuous autofocus tracking.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is a practical concern especially for travel or long shoots.

The FZ47 outperforms the GM5 here with an approximate 400 shot-per-charge rating - a result of its less power-hungry sensor but is tempered by its heavier weight and bulk.

GM5’s battery life is about 220 shots - typical for mirrorless cameras of the era - more than adequate for street shooting and daylight use but requiring spares for extended sessions.

Connectivity-wise, the FZ47 lacks wireless features - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. The GM5 improves with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and pairing to mobile devices, a convenience that photographers aimed at online workflows will appreciate.

Real-World Performance Across Photographic Genres

To contextualize these technical details, I put both cameras through their paces in several key photography disciplines:

Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back Panasonic GM5 front Panasonic GM5 screen back

Portraiture

The GM5 shines here. Its larger sensor, RAW support, and better autofocus accuracy deliver more natural skin tones with pleasant bokeh when using fast primes (available in the MFT ecosystem). Face detection and touch AF help nail eyes in sharp focus. The FZ47, owing to its small sensor, struggles with natural background blur and struggles to isolate subjects, although its built-in lens offers decent reach for candid outdoor portraits.

Landscape

Landscape requires resolution, dynamic range, and weather-resistant design. Neither camera is weather-sealed, which is a drawback for outdoor enthusiasts.

That said, the GM5’s 16MP sensor with wide dynamic range produces more detailed images with better tonal gradation in skies and shadows than the FZ47’s compact sensor. While the FZ47’s long zoom can frame distant landmarks, image quality softens visibly at the long end, making the GM5 a more serious choice for landscape shooters willing to carry lens options.

Wildlife & Sports

For distant subjects or action, the FZ47’s 24x zoom lens is tempting - no need to carry heavy telephoto glass. However, autofocus speed and tracking are modest at best, limiting keeper rates during fast wildlife or sports sequences. Its 4 fps burst rate is on the low side.

The GM5, with faster AF, higher burst rate (5.8 fps), and superior image quality holds a clear edge provided you have a long enough lens. Here, the investment extends beyond camera body into glass, but the payoff is greater image fidelity and sharper results.

Street & Travel

For travel and street photography, portability and discretion count heavily.

The GM5’s pocketable size and quiet operation make it an excellent street camera. Its touchscreen and viewfinder allow fast shooting and minimal disturbance. Battery life means carrying spare batteries.

The FZ47’s heft and chunky size detract from discreet shooting but its massive zoom compensates when you can’t approach your subject. Its 400 shots per battery charge also benefit long travel days.

Macro

FZ47’s fixed lens focuses as close as 1 cm, enabling surprisingly decent macro shots for a bridge camera. The GM5’s capability depends on lens choice - with specialized MFT macro lenses delivering higher magnification, sharper detail, and better bokeh control.

Night & Astro

Low-light performance clearly favors the GM5. It produces cleaner images at high ISO with less noise and more dynamic range. The FZ47’s boosted ISO goes up to 6400 but unusable grain renders it mostly visual curiosity.

Build Quality & Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged construction suited for extreme conditions. The FZ47’s solid plastic and glass build feels tougher, but both cameras require careful handling to avoid dust or moisture damage.

The GM5’s metal body gives a more premium aesthetic but at the expense of grip security due to its diminutive size.

Price-to-Performance Considerations in 2024

The Panasonic FZ47, as an older discontinued bridge camera, is widely available on used and refurbished markets for around $350 or less. It represents a low-cost entry point with an all-in-one lens for casual shooting.

The GM5, meanwhile, maintains a much higher used market price (circa $900) due to its sensor and system advantages, despite being over 9 years old. Its value proposition hinges on sensor performance, lens flexibility, and modern features like touchscreens and Wi-Fi.

From an investment viewpoint, if image quality and versatility matter above all, the GM5 is a worthy pick. If budget and convenience rule your choice, the FZ47 remains an attractive ‘grab and shoot’ option.

Final Thoughts: Which Panasonic Should You Buy?

Both cameras cater to distinct photographer profiles:

• Choose the Panasonic FZ47 if you want:

  • An affordable, all-in-one travel zoom without fuss
  • Simple operation with classic handling and optical stabilization
  • Decent daylight image quality and good macro close focusing
  • Longer battery life and flash built-in
  • No need for RAW or system lens compatibility

• Choose the Panasonic GM5 if you want:

  • Superior image quality from a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor
  • Access to a wide range of lenses for creative control
  • Better autofocus speed and accuracy for people, sports, and wildlife
  • Touchscreen and electronic viewfinder with high resolution
  • Wireless connectivity and more advanced video options
  • Willingness to invest more financially and carry interchangeable lenses

In summary, the FZ47 is a solid, straightforward superzoom bridge camera still useful for travel and casual shooters on a budget. The GM5 – despite its age – remains compelling for enthusiasts seeking system flexibility and image quality in a truly portable form factor.

If you primarily shoot portraits, landscapes, video, or low-light scenarios, the GM5 delivers a noticeable advantage. However, if your priorities revolve around zoom reach and battery endurance with less complexity, the FZ47 holds its own remarkably well.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Closing - My Tested Verdict

After exhaustive real-world use and technical measurement comparisons, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 represents a substantial leap forward in image quality, focusing speed, and system versatility - making it my top pick for serious enthusiasts and travelers who want compact performance without compromise. The FZ47, while outdated in sensor tech and lacking modern connectivity, remains an effective telezoom pocket companion for budget-conscious users and casual zoom lovers - especially if you prioritize a long battery life and never want to change lenses.

Whichever you choose, both exemplify Panasonic’s dedication to compact, user-friendly cameras tuned to different photographic lifestyles - allowing you plenty of creative expression in 2024 with a trusted brand.

If you found this comparison helpful, I invite you to check out my other camera reviews to deepen your gear knowledge and fuel your passion.