Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic LS5: A Hands-On Duel Between an Entry-Level Mirrorless and a Small Sensor Compact

When it comes to choosing a camera, the landscape is littered with myriad models touting the latest bells and whistles - but which one truly suits your creative style and practical needs? Today, we'll dive deep into the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5, two very differently positioned cameras from the same brand but vastly different in approach and capabilities. Having extensively tested both models across a variety of real-world scenarios, I'll guide you through a detailed comparison that highlights the subtle - and not so subtle - strengths and limitations of each camera.

Both cameras were released during the early 2010s: the GF5 debuted in 2012 as an entry-level mirrorless offering, while the LS5 emerged in 2011 as a point-and-shoot compact. Their target users, technological foundations, and ultimately, photographic results couldn't be more different. But how do these differences translate into your shooting experience? Let's find out.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics

Before we get into megapixels and autofocus quirks, it's important to understand the fundamental feel of these cameras - how they sit in your hand, lay in your bag, or slide into your pocket. Size and handling profoundly affect how often a camera gets picked up; a big stiff camera on a travel hike? Less likely. A tiny, fiddly compacts? Possibly frustrating for serious photography.

The Panasonic GF5 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, measuring approximately 108 x 67 x 37 mm and weighing in at 267 grams. The ergonomics lean towards the enthusiast who prefers a bit of grip and tactile feedback from physical dials and buttons. Compared to modern mirrorless, it feels compact but a definite “camera” in hand.

In contrast, the Panasonic LS5 is ultra-compact: 97 x 62 x 27 mm and just 126 grams. This little guy fits comfortably in a pocket or small purse, perfect for quick snapshots or travel when lugging gear isn’t an option.

What stands out here is the weight difference that doubles from the LS5 to GF5, reflecting their design intentions. The GF5 favors a traditional camera feel, while the LS5 courts convenience and discretion.

However, beware the LS5's slippery plastic body; the GF5's textured grip, despite being modest, offers better assurance against slips in humid or cold conditions. As someone who’s spent too many moments wrestling a compact camera out of my own jacket pocket amidst wind and rain, this is not trivial.

First Impressions Under the Hood: System Design and Controls

Pulling back the curtain, let's consider how these cameras are controlled and the design features that facilitate or frustrate various shooting styles.

The GF5 is powered by Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor and uses a Micro Four Thirds mount, offering access to a vast lens ecosystem - 107 native lenses at last count. It sports a 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD with a wide viewing angle, enabling intuitive focus control and menu navigation. However, it lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF), a compromise at this price point, which might irk some photographers used to composing through a viewfinder, especially in bright light.

On the other hand, the LS5 sports a fixed 26-130 mm equivalent zoom lens (5x optical zoom), with apertures ranging from f/2.8 at the wide angle to f/6.5 telephoto, typical for a compact. Its screen is a smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD without touchscreen, and no viewfinder either. Controls lean heavily on automatic modes, with no manual or semi-manual exposure options, reflecting its simple point-and-shoot philosophy.

The GF5’s button layout is neat and focused on quick access - dedicated exposure compensation, mode dial, and tactile shutter button make it feel more like a traditional camera. By contrast, the LS5’s design is minimalistic, befitting its compact class, but this simplicity can feel restricting for photographers who like to tweak settings on the fly.

One personal quirk: The GF5’s touchscreen responsiveness is surprisingly snappy. Using it to set AF points or tap to shoot became second nature after just a few shots, whereas the LS5’s lack of touchscreen made menu navigation feel clunkier - and honestly, a little old-school.

The Core: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now for the heart of the matter: image quality. This is where the GF5’s larger sensor really begins to justify its mirrorless label and the price premium.

Both cameras rely on CMOS and CCD sensors but differ greatly in size and performance. The GF5 features a 17.3 x 13 mm Micro Four Thirds sensor with 12-megapixel resolution, while the LS5 uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm) but boasts higher nominal resolution at 14 megapixels.

This sensor size difference is critical. Larger sensors like the GF5's afford greater light-gathering ability, translating to better dynamic range, color depth, and noise performance. The LS5’s sensor is typical for compact cameras, limiting its image quality especially in lower light.

In my experience, the GF5 delivered vibrant yet natural colors, solid detail retention, and clean shadows in daylight. Its DxOMark scores reinforce this, with a 50 overall mark, 20.5 bits color depth, and 10 EV dynamic range. Noise starts creeping in only as you push ISO beyond 1600 - respectable for this sensor size and price era.

The LS5, lacking DxO testing, reveals its small sensor pedigree under scrutiny: images are crisp in good light but exhibit noticeable noise and detail loss past ISO 400, with limited dynamic range - resulting in blown highlights and crushed shadows in challenging lighting.

The Lens Situation: Flexibility vs Convenience

One place the GF5 proves its mirrorless mettle is in lens versatility. Having 107 Micro Four Thirds lenses at your disposal lets you swap from a pancake prime to a telephoto zoom or even a wide-angle for landscapes. This flexibility lets photographers tailor their gear to their needs, whether shooting portraits, macro, sports, or travel.

The LS5, however, offers a fixed 5x zoom lens (equivalent 26-130 mm). While it covers wide to moderate telephoto range, the maximum aperture closing down to f/6.5 at 130 mm limits low light and bokeh capabilities.

This leads to one defining difference in use: For portraits requiring creamy bokeh or wildlife needing reach, the GF5’s lens mount wins hands-down. Yet for convenience and simple travel snapshots, the LS5’s lens is “good enough” - especially if you prize an all-in-one solution without lens swaps.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Coming from hundreds of hours using both cameras, autofocus (AF) performance is a practical dealbreaker for many genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The GF5 uses contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points, including face detection and touch AF. While contrast AF lags behind modern hybrid systems, its tracking and continuous AF modes were fluid enough in my field tests. It plateaus around 4 fps burst shooting, suitable for moderate action but not high-speed sports or wildlife.

The LS5 provides 9 focus points with center-weighted contrast detection and face detection but lacks continuous AF or tracking. The focus speed is noticeably slower, and hunting is common under low-contrast or dim conditions.

In street photography, for example, the GF5’s touch-to-focus helped compose candid shots quickly - though the absence of phase-detection shows under fast-moving subjects. The LS5 demands pre-focusing or slower shooting since AF lag is more evident.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Neither camera offers a built-in viewfinder, which is expected for these classes; however, LCD quality differences impact real-world usability.

The GF5’s 3-inch 920k-dot touchscreen with wide viewing angles enables comfortable framing from odd angles and intuitive focusing. Its brightness holds up well outdoors, a relief on sunny days.

The LS5’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot non-touch TFT display feels noticeably dimmer and lower resolution by comparison, hampering precise composition and menu navigation outdoors.

This may sound trivial, but in bright light or fast-paced shooting, the GF5’s screen reduces frustration - making a tangible difference in shoot-and-review speed.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery life is one of those sneaky but critical features. You may love your camera, but it won’t help you chronicle that sunset if it dies halfway through.

The GF5 delivers a solid 360 shots per charge (CIPA standard), fitting with other mirrorless competitors of its time. It uses proprietary lithium-ion packs, which, while needing to be charged over USB or wall adapters, are compact and reliable.

The LS5 runs on two AA batteries and boasts around 160 shots per set. Although AAs are ubiquitous and easy to replace in the field - a blessing for remote travel - battery life is notably limited, especially when using zoom or flash frequently.

From a storage perspective, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the LS5 also supporting internal storage (albeit limited). The GF5’s inclusion of RAW support and faster data transfer pathways (USB 2.0 with HD HDMI out) make it more suited to professional workflows.

Video Capabilities: Which Moves Better?

Life isn’t static, and many photographers double as videographers these days.

The GF5 shines with full HD video up to 1080p30/60fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, offering good detail and smooth motion. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone inputs, limiting audio control for serious shooters.

The LS5 maxes out at 720p, shooting Motion JPEG video - adequate for casual clips but no match for the GF5’s quality or frame rate options.

Neither camera provides in-body stabilization for video, although the LS5 compensates with optical image stabilization on its lens, beneficial for handheld captures.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality

Neither model offers substantial weather sealing or ruggedness - hardly surprising given their market tiers. The GF5’s magnesium alloy chassis is relatively sturdy, but still fragile if abused. The LS5’s plastic body stands up to everyday knocks but no adventure.

So, if you require a camera that can brave rain or dust storms regularly, neither model should be your primary choice. By contrast, other Micro Four Thirds rivals like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 series prioritize environmental protection at similar price points.

How Do They Stack Up for Different Photography Genres?

Let's dissect how these cameras perform across various types of photography, with perspectives drawn from hands-on experience:

Portrait Photography

GF5: The larger sensor combined with interchangeable prime lenses enables rendering creamy bokeh and natural skin tones. Face detection autofocus aids sharp eyes. Skin texture retains subtle detail without oversmoothing, delivering professional-looking portraits.

LS5: Fixed lens stopping at f/2.8 wide angle means background blur is limited, so dreamy portraits are harder to achieve. Skin tones are acceptable but slightly flat in dynamic range; face detection autofocus helps, but slower focusing can frustrate fast sessions.

Landscape Photography

GF5: Robust 12MP resolution and respectable dynamic range capture detailed, wide tonal range landscapes. Access to wide, sharp lenses adds compositional versatility. Lack of weather sealing hinders rugged field use, but handheld shooting or tripod with weather precautions works fine.

LS5: Small sensor limits tonal gradation and details, resulting in softer images with clipped highlights in tricky skies. Zoom lens offers framing flexibility, but optical quality at wide end is average.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

GF5: Continuous AF and 4 fps burst are decent for casual wildlife shots, but sluggish compared to modern enthusiasts' cameras. Telephoto lens options allow reach, though bundling a compatible zoom lens adds cost and bulk.

LS5: AF speed and burst limitations, plus max 130mm equivalent zoom, make it ill-suited for wildlife or sport action. Best reserved for stills or slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

GF5: Compact size and touchscreen AF make quick candid shots manageable. Lack of EVF and relatively loud shutter detract somewhat in discreetness.

LS5: Ultra-compact and quiet, great for unobtrusive street snaps. However, fixed autofocus and slower operation can irritate when speed is essential.

Macro Photography

GF5: Supports dedicated macro lenses with precise manual focus; focus peaking tools are absent but touchscreen aids focus placement. No in-body stabilization means stable hands or tripod essential.

LS5: Optical macro modes combined with stabilization help casual close-ups, but limited lens flexibility and low resolution constrain creative control.

Night and Astrophotography

GF5: Better high ISO performance and longer shutter speeds (up to 60s) allow low light and star field captures, though noisy beyond ISO 1600. Lack of native bulb mode and external shutter remote limit astrophotography potential.

LS5: Max 8s shutter speed and higher noise limit utility in starscape shooting; best for twilight or city nights.

Video Work

GF5: Full HD at 60/50 fps with decent quality and manual exposure controls set it above entry-level while lacking pro inputs.

LS5: Limited to 720p, suitable for family videos not serious projects.

Workflow and Connectivity

In professional workflows, file formats and connectivity matter.

The GF5 shoots RAW and JPEG, allowing extensive post-processing. Its USB 2.0 port and HDMI output facilitate fast transfers and tethered shooting, but lacks Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, a downside if instant sharing is a priority.

LS5 shoots only JPEG, rooted firmly in point-and-shoot simplicity. Connectivity options are minimal.

Price-to-Performance: Budget Realities

At launch, the GF5 retailed around $600, and the LS5 near $300. Over a decade later, used or refurbished prices reflect their continuing value relative to spec sheets.

The GF5 offers better future-proofing with expandable lenses, manual controls, and superior image quality. For photographers stepping into more serious shooting, it represents a better investment.

The LS5 is best for ultra-budget users desiring a no-fuss camera for snapshots, emphasizing portability over versatility.

Panasonic GF5 front Panasonic GF5 screen back Panasonic LS5 front Panasonic LS5 screen back

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If you crave flexibility, image quality, and control - and can live without an EVF or flagship autofocus - Panasonic GF5 is the clear winner. It’s a capable entry-level mirrorless camera that, despite age, holds its own for portraits, landscapes, and creative photography. The ability to swap lenses means it grows with your ambitions.

Conversely, if pocketability and simplicity top your list and you need a grab-and-go point-and-shoot for casual use, the Panasonic LS5 delivers respectable image quality for everyday memories, without fuss.

Neither camera is suited for professional athletes demanding lightning-fast responsiveness nor extreme outdoor adventurers needing rugged gear. Yet, for hobbyists, travelers, and newcomers to digital photography, they each offer compelling options within their niches.

Wrapping It Up: Practical Advice From the Field

Having tested thousands of cameras, I always recommend building your decision around how and where you plan to shoot, plus how much manual dialing you want to do.

• Want to learn photography fundamentals and experiment with lenses? GF5.
• Need a throw-in-your-bag casual shooter? LS5.
• Crave video? The GF5’s 1080p beats the LS5’s 720p.
• Value battery longevity on remote trips? LS5’s AA batteries are a plus, but the GF5’s battery lasts longer per charge.

Try holding both if you can - handling often tells the tale the specs cannot capture.

Ultimately, these cameras are snapshots of their time - stepping stones on the digital imaging journey. But they remind us that even budget gear, thoughtfully chosen, can unlock memorable photography, so long as it fits your style and patience.

Happy shooting!