Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 vs DMC-GH3: A Deep Dive into Two Micro Four Thirds Contenders

When you reflect on the mirrorless cameras of the early 2010s, Panasonic’s Lumix series remains a compelling chapter. Among their popular models, the Panasonic G5 and GH3 stand out. Both arrived in 2012 as micro four thirds cameras with substantial fan bases, yet they aimed at somewhat different users: the G5 leaning entry-level enthusiast, the GH3 an advanced hybrid shooter bridging high-res stills and pro video.

Having tested both cameras extensively myself - putting them through portrait sessions, landscapes, wildlife chases, night shooting, and video rigs - I’d like to share a nuanced comparison that goes beyond specs. This is for you, the serious enthusiast or pro considering an older but capable mirrorless body for budget-friendly learning or specific uses. Let’s explore what separates and unites these two Lumix models so you can pinpoint the best tool for your photographic lifestyle.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

At a glance, both cameras share that classic DSLR-like mirorless SLR styling Panasonic is known for, but handling-wise, they diverge quite a bit.

Physically, the G5 is the smaller, lighter of the two, with dimensions 120x83x71mm and weighing 396g. The GH3, by comparison, is chunkier and more robust, measuring 133x93x82mm and hitting 550g. Those 150 grams and larger body noticeably translate to a more confident grip, especially with heavier lenses.

Control layout further highlights their design intents. The GH3 sports a more complex button array and a tougher, professional feel, including dual command dials, dedicated movie record button, and a higher-resolution EVF (1744 vs 1440 dots on G5). The G5 sticks to simpler direct access buttons, clean dials, and a slightly smaller EVF, targeting newcomers or casual shooters who might prefer fewer fiddly controls.

Both cameras feature fully articulated 3” LCDs, but the tech used is worth noting: The G5’s display is a 920k-dot TFT with a wide viewing angle, whereas the GH3 offers a 614k-dot OLED screen with static touch control. That OLED brings superior contrast and color fidelity, invaluable for critical reviewing and video framing.

Personally, I favor the GH3’s viewfinder and screen combo for extended shooting sessions. The OLED’s richness and the EVF’s resolution make a visible difference when you’re pixel peeping in the field or working under tough lighting. But for outright portability - say, street or travel photography - the leaner G5 wins.

Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown

Both cameras use the same 16-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor, measuring 17.3x13mm (224.9 mm² area), with a native ISO range from 160/200 up to 12800. Panasonic integrated their Venus Engine VII FHD processor in both, signaling identical base image processing architectures.

However, real-world tests reveal that the GH3 enjoys modest advantages in dynamic range and low-light performance - the DxOMark scores back this up, with the GH3 scoring 71 overall, compared to the G5’s 61. Color depth also edges ahead (22.7 vs. 21.4 bits), and the GH3’s dynamic range sits at 12.4 EV compared to the G5’s 11.6 EV. What does that mean for you?

When shooting landscapes or portraits where retaining highlight detail and midtone nuances is crucial, the GH3 provides a bit more headroom in shadows and highlights. Night and astro photographers will appreciate the GH3’s superior low-light ISO threshold (812 vs. 618 in their DxO low-light scores), which translates to cleaner images with less noise.

Panasonic G5 front Panasonic G5 screen back Panasonic GH3 front Panasonic GH3 screen back

In practical evaluation, skin tones on the GH3 look slightly richer and better rendered, with smoother highlight roll-off - good news for portrait shooters chasing pleasing bokeh and tonal transitions. In medium light or tricky mixed lighting, the GH3’s processing handles subtle color shifts with greater nuance.

That said, the G5’s sensor remains capable and competitive for its price. If you’re a hobbyist working mainly during daylight hours, the difference will not always be palpable in JPEGs, especially when paired with good glass. RAW files from both cameras offer solid editing latitude.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus with 23 focus points and support face detection, continuous AF, single AF, and tracking modes. Neither uses phase detect autofocus, which keeps AF speed from absolutely blazing levels.

Still, the GH3 offers continuous shooting up to 20 fps in burst mode, far faster than the G5’s 6 fps max. This certainly affects autofocus responsiveness during action shooting, giving the GH3 an edge for wildlife and sports photographers relying on fast-moving subject tracking.

The autofocus accuracy in both cameras is solid for static subjects and street photography but the GH3’s quicker burst rate combined with superior AF tracking yields better keeper rates on action scenes. In my field tests shooting birds in flight, the GH3 maintained focus lock more reliably thanks to its processing and buffer.

Neither camera supports animal eye AF, which is a feature found in more modern cameras, but face detection performs adequately for casual portraits and candid shots.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability Matters

Here, the GH3 distinctly outranks the G5.

The GH3 features environmental sealing to resist dust and light moisture, a valuable asset for outdoor landscape photographers, travelers venturing into unpredictable climates, or street shooters caught in sudden weather shifts.

The G5 does not offer any weather sealing, and its lighter plastic body means more care must be taken in rough conditions.

If you prioritize a rugged camera capable of taking a beating, the GH3 is your go-to. For studio work or sheltered shooting scenarios, the G5’s build is satisfactory.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera performs across key genres:

• Portraits: Both deliver 16MP resolution and good color, but GH3’s better dynamic range and color depth yield smoother tonal gradations, ideal for skin tones. Lack of phase detect AF and animal eye AF means manual focusing for precise bokeh control is still best alongside quality lenses.

• Landscape: GH3 shines with expanded dynamic range and rugged weather resistance, perfect for challenging outdoor scenarios. The G5 can handle landscapes well in good light but is more limited by dynamic range and lacks environmental sealing.

• Wildlife and Sports: GH3 leads thanks to higher burst rates (20 fps) and more robust AF tracking; the G5 struggles at 6 fps which can miss critical moments.

• Street: Here, the G5’s smaller size and lighter weight help for discrete shooting. GH3 is bulkier but still reasonable for street photographers needing manual control and ruggedness.

• Macro: Neither camera offers built-in stabilization, but the GH3’s better viewfinder and faster autofocus assist macro focusing precision. Both require stabilization lenses or tripods.

• Night / Astro: GH3 edges out on low-light ISO performance and dynamic range. The G5 performs admirably but shows more noise at ISO 1600+.

• Video: Both shoot Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, but GH3 further supports H.264 and offers microphone and headphone ports, plus built-in wireless connectivity - meaning better audio control and file transfer. GH3 also supports time lapse recording. The G5 lacks external audio connectors and wireless features. Video shooters will find the GH3 a better all-around solution.

• Travel: Portability favors the G5 (396g vs. 550g), but battery life is much better on the GH3 (540 vs. 320 shots per charge). You gain durability and battery endurance in exchange for weight.

• Professional Use: The GH3’s higher durability, superior EVF and LCD, enhanced connectivity, and faster burst make it the more “pro” choice, albeit not a flagship. The G5 suits advanced amateurs or entry professionals on a budget.

Ergonomics and Workflow Integration

Operational comfort is crucial in long sessions.

The GH3’s OLED screen and larger EVF reduce eye strain. The plentiful physical controls reduce menu digging, streamlining workflow. The illuminated buttons would be nice, but spotting controls in low light isn’t a dealbreaker.

The G5’s touchscreen interface is intuitive, though the lower-res screen hampers critical focusing and evaluation. Sacrifices here come with the price.

Both cameras output 12-bit RAW files and work well within standard Lightroom/Photoshop pipelines, but the GH3’s support for H.264 video files means greater compatibility with professional NLEs.

Battery Life and Storage

The GH3’s 540-shot battery performance is generous for a mirrorless, while the G5’s 320 shots per charge means carrying spares if you push the day hard.

Both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot with standard USB 2.0 connectivity and HDMI out for external monitors - GH3 adds built-in Wi-Fi (sans Bluetooth/NFC). You’ll appreciate wireless transfer and remote control capabilities on the GH3.

Lenses and Accessories Ecosystem

Both rely on the Micro Four Thirds mount, tapping the same rich ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and third parties.

Adapting 35mm lenses is possible with speed boosters, but the native MFT lens lineup is excellent for all genres: high-quality zooms, primes for portraits, wide angles for landscapes, macro lenses, and super telephoto zooms.

Your choice thus frees you from lens limitations but emphasizes choosing a stable body supporting your shooting priorities.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

At their introduction, the G5 was priced around $699 and the GH3 about $799. Today, used prices fluctuate but typically the GH3 commands a higher premium reflecting its better build and enhanced features.

For budget-conscious buyers mainly shooting casual and landscape photography, the G5 offers solid value. If you require robust video performance, faster capture, and reliability in harsh conditions, the GH3’s higher price is justified.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

• For Enthusiasts Entering Mirrorless Photography: The Panasonic G5 is a fantastic entry point. It’s light, affordable, intuitive, and produces quality images suitable for portraits, landscapes, and street shooting. You’ll enjoy its articulating touchscreen and strong lens options. Just be aware of its shorter battery life and less rugged body.

• For Prosumer Hybrid Shooters and Video Makers: The Panasonic GH3 is a clear winner. With superior durability, better EVF and screen, richer image quality, faster burst rates, and professional video connectivity (mic and headphone jacks), it suits more demanding shooting scenarios including wildlife, sports, and serious video. The battery life boost simultaneously supports extended trips.

• Landscape Photographers and Adventurers: If you spend time outdoors in unpredictable weather, or shoot in low light often, GH3’s sealed body and better dynamic range offer peace of mind and image quality advantages.

• Street Photographers and Travelers Seeking Lightness: The G5’s smaller size and ergonomic simplicity will pay dividends in portability and discretely slipping through crowds.

Wrapping It Up

Both Panasonic Lumix G5 and GH3 remain impressive mirrorless choices years after their launch. They share the backbone of a well-engineered 16MP Four Thirds sensor and extensive Micro Four Thirds lens compatibility but target different photographers. One prioritizes compactness and ease, the other durability and speed.

Coming from my exhaustive hands-on experience, I can attest these cameras still hold their own today, especially for those wanting legacy gear with robust features and lens options on a budget. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a capable system - just weigh the trade-offs carefully.

Remember, no camera is perfect, but the right camera for your style and workflow makes all the difference.

Happy shooting!