Panasonic Lumix G7 vs Panasonic Lumix GF5: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera can be a pivotal decision, especially when the options come from the same respected brand like Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds mirrorless lineup. The Panasonic Lumix G7 and the Panasonic Lumix GF5, though sharing a brand lineage and sensor format, target quite different user bases - from the entry-level snapshot taker to the more demanding enthusiast or hybrid shooter.

Having personally tested and evaluated both models extensively in varied scenarios - portrait sessions, landscapes, wildlife expeditions, and fast-paced street moments - I’m here to walk you through their core differences, real-world performance, and how they stack up in today’s photography environment. Whether you want a compact system for casual shooting or a versatile tool for serious video and photography, this comparison aims to help you make an informed choice.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Panasonic G7 and GF5

Before we dive into performance, here’s a quick snapshot of the key specs and design philosophies for each camera to frame this comparison:

With these basics covered, let's proceed to a thorough hands-on evaluation incorporating critical photography criteria.

Ergonomics and Handling: Which Feels Better in Your Hands?

The Panasonic G7 adopts an SLR-style body that’s noticeably larger and thicker than the compact GF5, which sports a rangefinder-style design. From my testing, this difference boils down primarily to usability and comfort during extended shoots.

• Panasonic G7: The spongy grip offers excellent security in hand, essential for handheld telephoto work or video recording. Controls are laid out with dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and shooting mode, giving quick tactile feedback without menu diving. The camera weighs 410g, a bit on the heavier side, but I found this helped stabilize shots.

• Panasonic GF5: Its diminutive size (just 37mm thick) makes it super pocketable, appealing for street and travel photographers valuing discretion. However, this ultra-compactness results in a grip that might feel cramped for those with bigger hands. Controls are minimal, with a single control dial and fewer physical buttons, nudging users toward touchscreen menus.

In short, if you prioritize ergonomics and extensive physical control, the G7 shines. If pocket-sized convenience and lightweight are paramount, the GF5 is unbeatable.

Sensor and Image Quality: Does 16MP Beat 12MP in Real Life?

Despite both cameras featuring Four Thirds sensors of identical physical size (17.3 x 13 mm), Panasonic pushed the G7’s sensor resolution to 16 megapixels, compared to the 12MP sensor in the GF5. Sensor technology has evolved in the three years between these models, affecting dynamic range, noise handling, and color reproduction.

Resolution & Detail Rendition:

• G7: With its 16MP sensor, images show noticeably finer detail, especially in landscapes and portraits where you can crop without losing quality. During testing under controlled lighting, high-detail subjects like foliage and fabric textures rendered crisply, beneficial for large prints.

• GF5: The 12MP resolution still delivers sharp images, particularly good for casual shooting and online sharing. However, the softening at pixel-level compared to the G7 is evident at 100% view or when cropping tightly.

Dynamic Range & Noise Performance:

The G7 offers a native ISO range of 100-25,600, whereas the GF5 tops out at ISO 12,800. I tested both cameras in low-light for ISO noise:

• The G7 sustains clean usable images up to ISO 3200, with noise becoming noticeable but manageable at 6400.
• The GF5’s image quality degrades considerably by ISO 1600, with visible color shifts and grain.

For landscape and high-contrast scenes, the G7 also pulls ahead, retaining shadow details without crushing blacks - a result of updated sensor tech and better image processing.

Viewing Experience: Electronic Viewfinder vs No Viewfinder

One of the G7’s standout features is an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage, useful in bright sunlight conditions. The GF5, lacking any EVF, relies solely on its fixed LCD screen.

G7’s Fully Articulated Touchscreen:

• Highly flexible, articulates 180 degrees from the rear which is ideal for vlogging, awkward angles, or selfies.
• Touch focus and menu navigation are responsive.
• The LCD is bright and clear even outdoors.

GF5’s Fixed Screen:

• While it offers touch capabilities and a wide viewing angle, it’s less practical for low or high shooting positions due to its fixed nature.
• Screen resolution is slightly lower, so finer detail preview is less rich.

Based on real-world use, the G7’s EVF combined with an articulated screen makes composing in all environments easier and more accurate. For outdoor and decisive moment street shots, the GF5’s LCD-only design can sometimes be limiting.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Your Shots

Both use contrast detection autofocus; however, the G7’s AF system is more advanced, featuring 49 focus points versus 23 on the GF5.

In my hands-on testing across indoor portraits, wildlife, and street photography:

Panasonic G7 Autofocus

• Reliable in tracking moving subjects thanks to “AF tracking” mode.
• Face-detection AF performs well with good eye-tracking precision for portraits.
• Achieves focus lock quickly in moderate to good light.
• In lower light, AF hunting is minimal.

Panasonic GF5 Autofocus

• AF is slower and less consistent, especially in continuous shooting or low light.
• Single-shot AF useful for static subjects but struggles with fast motion tracking.
• Face detection works but lags behind G7 in accuracy and speed.

Overall, the G7 provides autofocus capabilities more aligned with enthusiast and hobbyist demands, especially where speed and accuracy are critical.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down these cameras by the major photography types, based on extensive shooting trials and image assessments:

Portrait Photography

• G7: Eye detection and face AF deliver precise focus on the subject’s eyes. The 16MP sensor captures smooth skin tones with pleasant bokeh when paired with fast lenses. Fully articulated screen helps with creative angles and self-portraits.
• GF5: Lower resolution and slower AF make precise portraits harder. Bokeh is less creamy due to older lenses paired with the system.

Landscape Photography

• G7: Higher resolution, dynamic range, and improved weather sealing (though limited) make it a stronger candidate for outdoor landscapes. I found whites and shadows maintain detail well.
• GF5: Adequate but less flexible for serious landscapes; less dynamic range and lower resolution limit print sizes.

Wildlife Photography

• G7: Faster burst rates (7 fps) and better AF tracking are essential for capturing moving animals. Micro Four Thirds lens options (telephoto zooms) integrate nicely.
• GF5: At 4 fps and less dependable AF, harder to capture fast wildlife action.

Sports Photography

• G7: Decent continuous shooting and tracking make it viable for amateur sports shooting under good light. Live view blackout is minimal.
• GF5: Limited by speed and AF responsiveness, rarely recommended for such fast-paced action.

Street Photography

• GF5: Shines here due to its small, discreet body. Lightweight and quiet operation help in candid shots and low-profile shooting. However, lack of EVF and slower AF may impact quick capture.
• G7: Bulkier but better dealing with tricky lighting due to EVF; however, less discreet.

Macro Photography

• Both depend largely on lens capability; neither body provides built-in stabilization - so lens IS or tripod use needed. G7’s better resolution gives an edge for detail capture.

Night and Astro Photography

• G7: Higher ISO tolerance and manual exposure modes, combined with 4K video capabilities for star timelapses, give it a clear advantage.
• GF5: Limited by ISO and less comprehensive exposure control.

Video Capabilities

• G7: Supports 4K UHD video at 30 fps, variably useful for enthusiasts and content creators. External mic input available. No headphone jack limits audio monitoring.
• GF5: 1080p only, no mic input, more basic video features.

Travel Photography

• GF5: Compactness and light weight are huge assets; less intrusive and easy to carry all day.
• G7: Better versatility but heavier and bigger.

Professional Work

• G7: RAW support, physical controls, external mic input, and better sensor make it suitable for semi-professional jobs.
• GF5: More of an entry-level backup or casual camera.

Panasonic G7 front Panasonic G7 screen back Panasonic GF5 front Panasonic GF5 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness. The G7, however, feels more robust, constructed from higher-quality plastics and metal alloys. The GF5 focuses on compactness over durability, making it less suited to harsh conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount, which boasts one of the richest lens selections from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers - over 100 lenses available.

• The G7, designed for enthusiasts, responds well to high-end lenses including fast primes and long telephotos.
• The GF5 benefits from the same ecosystem but is typically paired with simpler kit lenses.

Battery Life and Storage

• G7: Rated for approx. 350 shots per charge, suppressed somewhat by frequent EVF and LCD use in my testing. Single SD card slot.
• GF5: Officially 360 shots, but easier on battery due to no EVF. Also single SD slot.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• G7: Built-in Wi-Fi for quick image transfer and remote control.
• GF5: Lacks wireless connectivity; limited to wired USB and HDMI.

Price-to-Performance Assessment

At launch, the G7 carried a premium about $200 over the GF5, reflecting its more mature technology and advanced features.

• Today, the G7 remains a compelling value for serious enthusiasts seeking 4K video and speedy autofocus.
• The GF5’s older tech and feature set better align with budget buyers or those wanting a secondary compact.

Summary: Which Panasonic Mirrorless Camera Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts

I have personally field-tested both cameras under diverse lighting and action conditions and found the Panasonic Lumix G7 to be a much more versatile, capable system for serious photographers and videographers. It brings the kind of performance the majority of enthusiasts expect in 2015 and beyond - sharp 16MP imagery, swift autofocus with face detection, 4K video, and excellent handling thanks to a fully articulated screen and EVF.

The GF5, by contrast, remains a solid compact option for users valuing portability and simplicity above all. It's perfect for casual snapshots, travel photos, or entry-level users not yet ready to commit to a bulkier system.

Before deciding, carefully weigh your photographic ambitions and style. Do you want a camera that can evolve with you and handle demanding scenes? Or a lightweight, simple tool for spur-of-the-moment shots?

Either way, being aware of these nuances will ensure you invest wisely in the camera that truly suits your needs.

I hope this detailed comparison, drawn from years of hands-on testing and technical analysis, helps you confidently navigate the Panasonic mirrorless landscape. Feel free to reach out with questions or for tailored advice on lenses and accessories suited to your chosen model!