Battle of the Entry-Level Mirrorless: Panasonic GM5 vs Samsung NX11 – Which One Wins Your Wallet and Workflow?

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can feel like a marathon through jargon and spec sheets. I’ve handled both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and the Samsung NX11 extensively, giving me a well-rounded view of how these two entry-level mirrorless cameras hold up several years after their initial splash. This comprehensive face-off isn’t just about numbers on paper - I’ll walk you through real-world performance, handling quirks, image quality, and suitability across a broad range of photographic disciplines.

Both cameras have a certain vintage charm in today’s hyper-advanced mirrorless market, but they still pack enough punch for enthusiasts on a budget and professionals looking for a quirky backup. Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Starting where your hands first meet the camera, ergonomics are pivotal both for comfort and intuitive controls when chasing fleeting moments.

The Panasonic GM5 is a true compact rangefinder-style mirrorless camera. Its diminutive 99 x 60 x 36 mm body and featherweight 211g weight make it an ultra-portable marvel, especially for travel or street photographers who value stealth and pocketability. However, be warned: the compact chassis comes at the expense of grip size. I found it a bit of a challenge to hold steady for long bursts, especially with larger lenses attached. The small form factor means your clubs for thumbs are a little cramped behind the camera.

In contrast, the Samsung NX11 is much chunkier with a traditional SLR-style body measuring 123 x 87 x 40 mm and weighing in at nearly half a kilo (499g). It feels more robust and reassuring in hand but understandably sacrifices portability. For outdoor enthusiasts or event shooters who prioritize grip over pocketability, that extra heft translates to more stability during long telephoto sessions or extended bursts. The larger body also accommodates a built-in flash - a feature missing on the GM5.

On top of body size, the design cues differ too.

The GM5’s minimalist top plate is sleek but trims back on dedicated dials, relying more on touchscreen interaction - which, while responsive, also makes operation a little slower when you need rapid adjustments. The NX11 sports more conventional clubs for thumbs with dedicated shutter speed and ISO dials, ideal for photographers who prefer tactile feedback and quick-setting changes without diving into menus.

In short:

• GM5: ultra-compact, travel-friendly, but less ergonomic for prolonged shooting
• NX11: solid grip, classic DSLR feel, more physical controls, but relatively bulky

Peeking Inside: Sensor Size, Image Quality, and Processing Power

Next up, the sensor - the heart of any camera’s imaging prowess.

The Panasonic GM5 features a Four Thirds sized sensor measuring 17.3 x 13mm, packing 16 megapixels. This smaller sensor means a significant 2.1x focal length multiplier, which can delight wildlife and sports shooters wanting extra reach but cramps wide-angle options. The sensor benefits from a Venus Engine processor, known for its efficient noise reduction and respectable dynamic range for this class.

Meanwhile, the Samsung NX11 boasts an APS-C sensor that's physically larger (23.4 x 15.6mm) with 15 megapixels resolution and a more modest 1.5x crop factor. That bigger sensor area often means better light-gathering ability, less noise at higher ISOs, and a shallower depth of field potential, coveted for portraits and creative selective focus.

The numbers tell a nuanced story: DxOMark scores give the GM5 a slightly better dynamic range (11.7 vs 10.8 EV) and color depth edge (22.1 vs 22.7 bits are close), but the NX11 fares worse in low-light ISO performance (553 vs 721). In practice, when shooting JPEGs or RAW in moderately lit environments, both cameras deliver pleasing sharpness and accurate colors, but you will hit noise thresholds earlier on the NX11 at higher ISO settings.

Personal testing under mixed lighting showed the GM5’s workload-bearing Venus Engine slightly outperforms the older DRIM Engine in the NX11, delivering cleaner files at ISO 1600 and above. Despite smaller pixels, Panasonic’s noise cleanup keeps usable detail, which can be a lifesaver for night or event shooters who can’t always shoot at base ISO.

What You See is What You (Can) Get: Display and Viewfinder

How you frame and review images influences your shooting experience profoundly.

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens - no articulating hinges here - but the GM5’s 921k-dot touchscreen provides a crisp interface that’s responsive and modern. Controlling menus or setting AF points on the screen is intuitive for novice shooters. It’s a small but meaningful touch (literally) that can speed up operation for walk-around shooting.

The NX11’s 3-inch screen, with 614k-dot resolution and no touch interface, feels a little dated but still serviceable for composition and reviewing shots. Its OLED panel offers slightly better contrast and deeper blacks but doesn’t quite match the crispness of the GM5’s LCD.

Viewfinders also differ, reflecting their respective market and design philosophy. The GM5’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) packs 1166k dots at 100% coverage and 0.46x magnification, offering a bright and clear view. However, the smaller eyepiece can feel tight for glasses wearers.

The NX11’s EVF lacks a quoted resolution but features 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification, providing a comparatively larger and more immersive viewfinder experience that better suits traditionalists accustomed to optical SLRs.

A final note on user interface: the GM5’s touch-AF and gesture-based controls are a boon for quick snaps, while the NX11’s more button-dial driven layout appeals to tactile photographers who like clubs for thumbs on dedicated dials.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Hunting Sharpness in Action

For action shooters and everyday everydayists alike, autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break an image.

The GM5 boasts 23 contrast-detection AF points with face detection and continuous-AF modes, enabling decent tracking for portraits and casual wildlife shots. My testing reveals its AF to be peppy indoors and under decent light but struggles in low light or fast-moving subjects, occasionally hunting before locking.

The NX11’s 15 AF points, also contrast-detection only, lag behind here - its AF system rates slower and less reliable in continuous tracking. The lack of phase detection or hybrid AF (common in more modern systems) handicaps it in sports and dynamic scenarios. Burst shooting maxes out at a modest 3 FPS, compared to the GM5’s 5.8 FPS, reinforcing the GM5 as a better pick if speed matters.

Both cameras do face detection reasonably well for portraiture but neither offers modern AI animal or eye detection autofocus that’s become standard on recent bodies.

For photographers prioritizing wildlife, sports, or street photography with demanding AF needs, the Panasonic GM5’s autofocus system combined with faster burst rates gives it a clear edge in capturing decisive moments.

Built to Last or Fragile Flings? Durability and Weather Resistance

If you’re an outdoor shooter, environmental sealing and build quality become mission-critical. Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedness certifications. The GM5’s smaller body feels less stout, particularly given its plastic construction typical of mirrorless compacts of its generation.

The NX11’s chunkier build and SLR-style design inspire more confidence against bumps and general wear, but it is still firmly in consumer grade without dustproofing or weather sealing.

For serious landscape or macro shooters venturing into rain, dust, or harsh conditions regularly, investing in weather-sealed bodies or protective housings is advisable regardless of choice here.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choices that Count

Lens availability and system openness often dictate long-term happiness with a camera.

The GM5’s Micro Four Thirds mount gives you access to an extensive native lens pool - over 100 lenses ranging from ultra-fast primes to super-zooms, many made by Panasonic and Olympus. This mature lens ecosystem is one of the strongest selling points here, offering pocket-friendly pancake lenses, macro options, and even higher-end Leicas.

The NX11’s Samsung NX mount system is sadly orphaned and limited, with only about 32 native lenses, including a modest range of primes and zooms. While adapters exist to mount other brands’ lenses, functionality often suffers in autofocus and electronic communication.

For newcomers or budget-conscious buyers, the GM5’s ecosystem provides a rich playground to grow into various genres like portraits, macro, or landscape without breaking the bank. The NX11’s limited lens selection restricts versatility.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

Practical concerns like battery endurance and data transfer options can be overlooked but are crucial for fieldwork.

The NX11 impresses with roughly 400 shots per charge, nearly double the GM5’s 220. In my experience, this difference can translate to a full day of hiking or event photography on a single charge for the NX11, while the GM5 might require a spare battery or more conservative shooting habits.

Storage differences are mild - both cameras accept SD cards, but note the GM5 supports newer SDXC cards for larger capacities.

Connectivity is a pointed difference: The GM5 offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for smooth image transfer to smartphones or remote control via apps - a boon in today’s sharing-centric world. The NX11 has no built-in wireless connectivity, and relies on optional GPS accessories if location tagging is desired.

Video Capabilities: Lights, Camera, Not Much Action

Video is a growing consideration, even for photographers.

The GM5 records Full HD 1080p video up to 60 frames per second supporting MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, adequate for casual video shooting and YouTube content. Its touchscreen aids focus pulling for video work. Unfortunately, it lacks a microphone input, which limits audio quality improvements.

The NX11 is limited to 720p HD video at 30fps in H.264 format, which feels dated and less useful for modern content creators. No external mic input either.

Video shooters looking for semi-pro or better quality recordings will find the GM5 more attractive, though both cameras lack advanced video features like 4K, log profiles, or in-body stabilization.

How Do They Perform Across Different Photography Styles?

Now for the fun part: which camera excels where, based on my hands-on testing and over a decade of comparative experience?

Panasonic GM5 front Panasonic GM5 screen back Samsung NX11 screen back

Portrait Photography

The NX11’s larger APS-C sensor provides a shallower depth of field, yielding creamier bokeh and more flattering separation for portraits. Skin tones are natural but slightly warmer. However, the slower AF and lack of eye detection make nailing critical focus a bit fiddly. The GM5’s contrast AF is faster with face detection, but its smaller sensor makes background blur less pronounced - think sharper portraits that rely more on composition than shallow depth.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is king here. The GM5’s very slightly higher dynamic range and better noise handling at base ISO help recover highlight and shadow details better, crucial in tricky light. Combined with versatile MFT lenses that include ultra-wide angles, the GM5 takes a slight lead, especially for handheld shooting in low light. The NX11’s bulkier body gives stability on tripods.

Wildlife Photography

The GM5’s 5.8 FPS burst and longer effective focal length due to the 2.1x crop factor translate well to distant subjects, but the relatively slow AF limits action freeze success. The NX11’s slower 3 FPS and less responsive AF hold it back palpably despite the APS-C sensor size advantage.

Sports Photography

Speed is essential here. The GM5 again outpaces the NX11 on frame rates and autofocus speed but neither can keep up with dedicated sports cameras. Both work better for amateur sports or casual use.

Street Photography

GM5’s compact, discreet design makes it ideal for blending into crowds and quick snaps. The NX11’s bulk is a giveaway and less ideal for candid moments.

Macro Photography

Lens choice rules this category. GM5’s Micro Four Thirds lens selection includes excellent macro options with stabilization to boot. NX11’s ecosystem lacks strong macro contenders.

Night/Astrophotography

The GM5’s better high-ISO performance and wider ISO range (up to 25600) give it a leg up for low-light shooting, but the fixed screen limits shooting at odd angles.

Video

The GM5 trounces the NX11 with 1080p at 60fps and superior codec options.

Travel Photography

GM5’s portability and built-in Wi-Fi make it the traveler’s friend. NX11’s bulk and lack of wireless might weigh you down.

Professional Workflows

Both cameras output RAW and support manual exposure modes, but the Panasonic’s faster card interface and software compatibility lean it slightly ahead.

The Bottom Line: Scores and Verdict

In raw scoring terms, the Panasonic GM5 edges out the Samsung NX11 by a small but meaningful margin, particularly factoring in autofocus, sensor technology, and versatility. While the NX11’s larger sensor area theoretically offers image quality advantages, its older processing engine, slower burst, and lack of connectivity weigh it down.

The GM5 surpasses it decidedly in areas most enthusiasts and semi-pros care about: portability, autofocus speed, image quality at higher ISOs, and lens choices. That said, the NX11’s better battery and classic handling retain some appeal for those who prioritize physical controls and longer shooting sessions.

Pros and Cons Summary

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5

Pros:

• Ultra-compact, pocketable body for travel and street
• 16MP sensor with good dynamic range and low-light ISO
• Fast 5.8 FPS burst shooting
• Touchscreen interface with Wi-Fi plus NFC
• Extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem

Cons:

• Small grip can be uncomfortable with larger lenses
• No built-in flash or weather sealing
• Average battery life (220 shots)
• No microphone input for video

Samsung NX11

Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor with good color depth
• Classic DSLR-style handling with physical dials
• Built-in flash and longer battery life (400 shots)
• Solid build for an entry-level model

Cons:

• Slower 3 FPS burst and lagging AF performance
• Limited lens ecosystem and no wireless connectivity
• Lower max ISO and weaker video specs (720p only)
• Bulkier and heavier, less pocket-friendly

Recommendations: Which Camera Suits You?

• For the Traveler or Street Photographer: The GM5’s portable design, fast AF, and Wi-Fi make it the nimble choice. You’ll appreciate the light weight and silent shutter, especially for candid moments.
• For Portraits and Landscapes: Want creamier bokeh and classic ergonomics? The NX11’s APS-C sensor and SLR-style grip will suit studio or landscape sessions where speed matters less.
• For Wildlife and Action Seekers on a Budget: GM5’s faster frame rate and longer reach sway the balance. Don’t expect pro-level AF, but it will get you better results than the NX11.
• For Video Content Creators: GM5, no contest: 1080p 60fps and better codec options trump NX11’s dated 720p.
• Budget-Minded Beginners: As prices have dropped over time, the GM5’s versatility and compact design represent better bang for the buck unless you prefer NX11’s DSLR cues and longer battery life.

Wrapping It Up

Having put both cameras through their paces across a broad spectrum of photography types and conditions, the Panasonic GM5 emerges as a more versatile and modern performer without breaking the bank. It integrates newer tech from autofocus speed to wireless connectivity and offers a lens ecosystem you can grow with for years. The Samsung NX11, while slower and more limited, might still appeal to those who prize a tactile DSLR feel and don’t mind its bulk.

Neither camera is a perfect all-rounder in today’s fast-evolving mirrorless world, but each carries echoes of a simpler era with shooting quirks that can still delight. Your choice boils down to the style, disciplines, and handling preferences most important to you - and how much you’re willing to compromise on portability or lens options.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera fit like a second skin, whether tiny micro four-thirds or classic APS-C!