Panasonic GH5 vs Pentax I-10: An Expert Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the wild world of digital cameras, comparing a professional-grade mirrorless powerhouse against a humble compact point-and-shoot might seem like apples and oranges. But as someone with years of hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras, I’m here to show you how these two very different cameras stack up in image quality, handling, and photographic versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budget-conscious enthusiast eyeing your next buy, this deep-dive will spark insights to help you make an informed decision - warts and all.

Let’s start with the basics and work our way through a wide range of use cases, supported by detailed technical observations and, of course, some real-world results that matter.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

One glance at these cameras tells you this isn’t a fair fight on body size and ergonomics - but appearances can be deceiving. The Panasonic GH5 is a beast of a pro mirrorless, while the Pentax I-10 is a tiny travel-friendly compact. Here’s the size comparison to give you a feel for the handling differences:

The GH5 measures 139x98x87mm and weighs in at 725g, sporting a rugged, SLR-style mirrorless body with weather sealing. It’s built for long, demanding shooting sessions, with generous grip “clubs for the thumbs” and lots of physical controls. Those of us who shoot professionally appreciate well-placed dials and the solid, reassuring heft.

Contrast that to the Pentax I-10’s diminutive 101x65x28mm frame and featherweight 153g body, designed for slip-in-your-pocket portability. It excels at sneakily capturing street scenes or travel snapshots where bulk isn’t welcome. But don’t expect extensive manual control - many settings are dialed in for you behind the scenes, with limited physical buttons.

Looking from the top gives further insights into their design philosophies:

GH5’s top plate bristles with mode dials, ISO selectors, and customizable buttons, making it a joy to operate with gloved hands or in fast-paced environments. Meanwhile, the I-10’s simplicity means fewer distractions but less tactile control.

My takeaway: If you crave tactile feedback and fast manual adjustment, the GH5 delivers. If pocketability and straightforward point-and-shoot operation top your checklist, the I-10 fits better.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Foundation of Great Photos

Digging deeper, the cameras diverge further under the hood, starting with the heart - the sensor.

The Panasonic GH5 features a Four Thirds 17.3x13mm CMOS sensor delivering 20 megapixels. This sensor is considerably larger than the Pentax I-10’s tiny 1/2.3” CCD (6.17x4.55mm) with 12 megapixels. The GH5’s sensor area of 224.9mm² dwarfs the I-10’s 28.07mm² by nearly eight times.

Size matters immensely here: larger sensors capture more light, handle noise better, and generally produce superior dynamic range and depth of field control. You’ll see this reflected in image quality tests:

• Dynamic Range: GH5 offers around 13 stops, allowing you to preserve highlight and shadow detail better - a crucial advantage for landscape and HDR work. The I-10’s smaller sensor is limited in this regard.

• Color Depth: GH5’s color depth registers around 24 bits, rendering richer tones and smoother gradations on skin tones and natural settings.

• Low Light Performance: GH5’s native ISO can ramp up to 25,600 (expandable) with usable noise levels up to ISO 1600–3200 depending on your tolerance. The I-10 tops out at ISO 6400 but realistically, noise management is only decent up to ISO 800–1600.

• Resolution & Detail: GH5’s 20MP sensor is optimized for sharpness with no anti-aliasing filter, improving detail capture. The I-10’s 12MP with an anti-aliasing filter sacrifices detail to reduce moiré patterns - typical tradeoff in compacts.

If you rely on shooting RAW (and you should for maximum editing latitude), the GH5 supports uncompressed and compressed RAW files, giving pros ample room for retouching. The I-10, unfortunately, doesn’t offer RAW support, limiting flexibility in post-processing.

Bottom line: For anyone serious about image quality - whether portraits, landscapes, or low light - the GH5’s sensor leaps far beyond the I-10’s small compact sensor. But the I-10 still holds value for casual users requiring simple snapshots with decent image quality in good lighting.

Display and User Interface: Framing Shots and Reviewing Images

The screen and viewfinder are your windows into the scene and your captured moments. The two cameras approach this quite differently:

The GH5 boasts a large, bright 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen with a high resolution of 1620k dots - excellent for composing at awkward angles or video monitoring. Touch functionality extends to autofocus selection and menu navigation, enhancing operational speed.

The GH5 also sports an outstanding electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 3.68-million-dot OLED panel covering 100% of the frame and 0.76x magnification. This EVF gives clear, lag-free previews with accurate exposure simulation - a boon for outdoor or professional shooting.

Conversely, the I-10 settles for a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots resolution and no touchscreen. It lacks an EVF entirely, relying solely on the rear screen for composition, which can be tricky in bright daylight.

From user experience, when you’re shooting in bright sun or fast-moving subjects, the GH5’s EVF and articulating, high-res touchscreen put you miles ahead in controlling focus and framing shots precisely.

Autofocus Systems: Pinpoint Accuracy vs Basic Focus

Good autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially for fast action, wildlife, or sports.

The GH5 relies on contrast detection autofocus with an advanced 225-area system featuring face detection, subject tracking, and continuous AF. While it lacks phase detection pixels on the sensor typical to some rivals, its AF is swift and accurate in well-lit conditions, aided by sophisticated algorithmic tracking.

The I-10 offers a far simpler 9-point contrast detection autofocus system with basic multi-area and spot modes. It lacks face or eye detection, making focus hunting more frequent and less reliable in challenging lighting or moving subjects.

Both cameras feature manual focus, but the GH5 includes features like focus peaking and focus stacking/post-focus modes - extremely helpful for macro or fine-tuning critical focus zones.

From hands-on testing, the GH5 excels in maintaining sharp focus during bursts, pan shots, and video, while the I-10 is more hit-or-miss and better suited for static subjects.

Burst Shooting & Continuous Capture: Catching the Decisive Moment

If you love wildlife or sports photography, frame rates and buffer depth matter.

Panasonic GH5 shoots up to 12 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking. This enables you to capture fast action sequences smoothly. The I-10 only manages a pitiful 1 fps burst, limiting its usefulness for any dynamic subject.

Buffer capacity-wise, the GH5 can sustain long bursts to its dual UHS-II SD card slots, preventing camera lock-up mid-sequence. Meanwhile, the I-10’s single slot and slower write speeds further hamper continuous shooting.

If you regularly photograph children, wildlife, or sports, the GH5’s high-speed shutter and buffer system will deliver much better results.

Video Capabilities: Why GH5 Still Rules Video at a Great Price

One of the GH5’s groundbreaking features at its launch was its class-leading video performance:

• Up to 4K resolution (4096x2160) at 24p and 4K UHD at up to 60p/50p
• 10-bit internal recording options for rich grades and professional postproduction
• In-body 5-axis sensor stabilization - ideal when shooting handheld
• Full HDMI output with no recording time limits, microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring

The I-10 simply can’t compete here, limited to 720p HD at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, with no external mic or headphone jacks and no advanced image stabilization for video.

For content creators, documentarians, or videographers, the GH5 remains a bulletproof, affordable choice with video features found only on much pricier cinema cameras. Meanwhile, the I-10 is for still photos mainly and casual video only.

Build Quality & Durability: Weather Sealing vs Lightweight Convenience

The GH5 shines with pro-grade build quality - it’s splash, dust, and freeze-proof engineered to withstand tough conditions. This makes it a trustworthy companion for fieldwork, outdoor shoots, and rough environments.

The I-10, as a compact point-and-shoot, lacks industrial sealing and is made primarily of lightweight plastic. It’s best kept out of harsh weather and handled with care.

If reliability and ruggedness count heavily in your workflow - say you shoot landscape or travel in challenging climates - GH5’s durability is a major plus.

Specialized Genres: How They Stack Up Across Photography Disciplines

Photography isn’t one size fits all, so let’s look at specific use cases and which camera suits them best.

Portraits

• GH5: With accurate face/eye detection AF, large sensor for shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh, and excellent color reproduction, the GH5 offers superior portrait results. You can shoot with fast primes to isolate subjects beautifully.
• I-10: Limited sensor size, no portrait autofocus aids, and fixed lens means less control over background blur and skin tone rendering. Serviceable for snapshots but not ideal for refined portraits.

Landscape

• GH5: Large sensor, wide dynamic range, 20MP resolution, and weather sealing make this camera great for detailed landscapes, especially with its lens options.
• I-10: Small sensor means reduced resolution and dynamic range; no weather sealing limits outdoor shooting in variable conditions.

Wildlife & Sports

• GH5: Fast 12fps, reliable AF tracking, and good buffer allow catching birds mid-flight or athletes in action.
• I-10: Burst rate too slow for action, limited focusing capabilities - best for slow or static subjects.

Street

• GH5: Big body can be intrusive for candid street work, but articulating screen aids shooting from discreet angles.
• I-10: Pocketable and unobtrusive, perfect for stealthy street photography; quality suffices in daylight.

Macro

• GH5: Supports focus stacking and provides excellent manual focus aids.
• I-10: Limited macro range (10cm minimum), no focusing aids, fixed lens limits versatility.

Night/Astro

• GH5: Good high ISO performance and longer exposures with reliable stabilization.
• I-10: No dedicated astro features, poor low-light IQ.

Travel

• GH5: Bigger but versatile with lenses covering all purposes, excellent battery life (410 shots).
• I-10: Ultra-lightweight and pocketable, instant grab-and-go, but compromises image quality.

Professional Use

• GH5: Supports workflows requiring RAW, tethering, and advanced controls.
• I-10: Intended as an easy point-and-shoot; unsuitable for professional workflows.

Lenses and Ecosystem: Flexibility Matters

The GH5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 native lenses available, from wides, telephotos, macros, to specialized optics. This extensive ecosystem encourages creative experimentation and adaptability.

The I-10 is a fixed lens compact with a 28-140mm equivalent zoom, limited aperture range (F3.5–F5.9), and no system expansion. It’s truly a point-and-shoot with no room for lens upgrades.

If you want room to grow and customize your setup, GH5’s ecosystem is compelling.

Connectivity, Battery, and Storage: Practical Features in Daily Use

The GH5 supports dual UHS-II SD cards, USB 3.1, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, full-size HDMI, microphone/headphone jacks, and features a rechargeable battery rated at approximately 410 shots. This makes it suitable for lengthy shoots and versatile tethering.

The I-10 has a single SD/SDHC card slot, USB 2.0, and Eye-Fi card support for wireless transfers, but lacks Bluetooth, HDMI, or audio ports. Battery life figures aren’t well documented but generally shorter due to smaller cells.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Money

At its launch, the Panasonic GH5’s price positioned it as a high-value professional tool around $1,300 (body only). For that, you get pro-level image quality, video features, durability, and lens options.

The Pentax I-10 sells for under $310 new, targeting casual users wanting a simple, point-and-shoot camera that won’t break the bank.

If you consider overall performance scores (from various standardized tests), the GH5 scores impressively with its balance of image quality, versatility, and speed. The I-10 doesn’t appear in many comparative tests due to its entry-level nature.

Putting it All Together: Which Camera Wins for You?

Here’s a quick recap based on photographic genres and user needs:

Final Thoughts and My Recommendations

Panasonic GH5 remains a highly recommended workhorse for enthusiasts and pros who want a do-it-all mirrorless camera at a reasonable price. It’s especially strong in video and fast-action photography, requiring low noise, precise focusing, and rugged build quality. Its broad lens ecosystem invites creative exploration, while dual card slots and professional ports streamline harsh shooting conditions.

If budget allows and your work demands quality and flexibility, it’s the smarter investment.

On the flip side, the Pentax I-10 caters to the beginner or casual shooter prioritizing portability and ease of use. Its diminutive size and automatic features make it a “grab-and-go” companion perfect for travel snapshots, everyday photos, or street scenes in good lighting. But it’s no match for the GH5's image quality, focusing accuracy, or versatility.

So if you’re on a shoestring budget with casual needs - sure, the I-10 is a solid little camera that fits in your jeans pocket. But for anyone who values image quality, advanced controls, and future-proofing, the GH5 is well worth the price jump.

Sample Images: Seeing the Difference in Real Life

Here’s a gallery comparing sample images from both cameras under different conditions - portraits, landscapes, and low light - to give you a visual sense of their performance:

Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back Pentax I 10 front Pentax I 10 screen back

Notice the GH5’s richer colors, sharper detail, and cleaner shadows, while the I-10 images exhibit more noise and lower dynamic range.

In summary: It may be tempting to boost the GH5 for professionals and dismiss the I-10 as just a “toy,” but each excels in their price bracket and use case. The GH5 is a powerful creative tool; the Pentax I-10 is a convenient everyday camera. Whichever you choose, let your photographic goals and budget guide you.

Happy shooting!