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Panasonic G5

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 front
 
Portability
74
Imaging
52
Features
66
Overall
57

Panasonic G5 summary

Panasonic G5 is Panasonic's Entry-Level Mirrorless camera originally introduced on July of 2012. The camera uses a 16MP, CMOS Four Thirds sized sensor and has a full resolution of 4608 x 3456.

Panasonic brought out this camera in an effort to replace the older Panasonic G3 (Read Full Comparison) & subsequently introduced the more recent Panasonic G6 (Read Full Comparison) in order to update this camera.

The G5 is rated #72 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras & over-all #349 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please check out our Advanced camera finder to see camera results based on your custom factors.

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Below is a diagram of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Panasonic G5 family

The Panasonic G5 has a history of related digital cameras. Underneath, you can see all previous and more recent models as well as important specifications.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-GH6 front thumbnailPanasonic GH6
G5 vs GH6
25MPFour Thirds14.0 fps2022
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-GH5-II front thumbnailPanasonic GH5 II
G5 vs GH5 II
20MPFour Thirds12.0 fps2021
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Panasonic-Lumix-DC-G100 front thumbnailPanasonic G100
G5 vs G100
20MPFour Thirds10.0 fps2020
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G95 front thumbnailPanasonic G95
G5 vs G95
20.3MPFour Thirds9.0 fps2019
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-GH5S front thumbnailPanasonic GH5S
G5 vs GH5S
10MPFour Thirds12.0 fps2018
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-G9 front thumbnailPanasonic G9
G5 vs G9
20MPFour Thirds20.0 fps2017
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GX850 front thumbnailPanasonic GX850
G5 vs GX850
16MPFour Thirds10.0 fps2017
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH5 front thumbnailPanasonic GH5
G5 vs GH5
20MPFour Thirds12.0 fps2017
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G85 front thumbnailPanasonic G85
G5 vs G85
16MPFour Thirds9.0 fps2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF8 front thumbnailPanasonic GF8
G5 vs GF8
16MPFour Thirds5.8 fps2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G7 front thumbnailPanasonic G7
G5 vs G7
16MPFour Thirds7.0 fps2015
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF7 front thumbnailPanasonic GF7
G5 vs GF7
16MPFour Thirds5.8 fps2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GM5 front thumbnailPanasonic GM5
G5 vs GM5
16MPFour Thirds5.8 fps2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH4 front thumbnailPanasonic GH4
G5 vs GH4
16MPFour Thirds12.0 fps2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GM1 front thumbnailPanasonic GM1
G5 vs GM1
16MPFour Thirds5.0 fps2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G6 front thumbnailPanasonic G6
G5 vs G6
16MPFour Thirds7.0 fps2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF6 front thumbnailPanasonic GF6
G5 vs GF6
16MPFour Thirds4.0 fps2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH3 front thumbnailPanasonic GH3
G5 vs GH3
16MPFour Thirds20.0 fps2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G5 front thumbnailPanasonic G516MPFour Thirds6.0 fps2012
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF5 front thumbnailPanasonic GF5
G5 vs GF5
12MPFour Thirds4.0 fps2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GX1 front thumbnailPanasonic GX1
G5 vs GX1
16MPFour Thirds4.0 fps2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF3 front thumbnailPanasonic GF3
G5 vs GF3
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G3 front thumbnailPanasonic G3
G5 vs G3
16MPFour Thirds4.0 fps2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH2 front thumbnailPanasonic GH2
G5 vs GH2
16MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF2 front thumbnailPanasonic GF2
G5 vs GF2
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G10 front thumbnailPanasonic G10
G5 vs G10
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G2 front thumbnailPanasonic G2
G5 vs G2
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF1 front thumbnailPanasonic GF1
G5 vs GF1
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH1 front thumbnailPanasonic GH1
G5 vs GH1
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2009
Photography Glossary
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G1 front thumbnailPanasonic G1
G5 vs G1
12MPFour Thirds3.0 fps2009

Panasonic G5 Pros and Cons

Below is a checklist of good and bad points of the Panasonic G5 based on criterias that are typically regarded as essential in a camera.

built-in flash
delivers RAW formats
features face detect focusing
features tracking focus
good megapixels (16 megapixels)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
has HDMI socket
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
includes touch to focus
pretty good screen size (3")
screen articulates
selfie friendly screen
switch lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
touchscreen functionality
very good screen resolution (920 thousand dots)
you can focus manually
continuous shooting slow (6.0 frames/s)
heavier than competition (396g)
lacks phase detect AF
no headphone socket
no image stabilization
no mic socket
no Time Lapse function
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Panasonic G5 Sensor details

The Panasonic G5 features the Venus Engine VII FHD processor chip. The size of the sensor in the Panasonic G5 is 17.3mm x 13mm (Four Thirds). The 225 mm² sensor can capture 4608 x 3456 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.

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The CMOS sensor has 16 megapixels and supports a native ISO range of 160 - 12800. RAW format is saved so the user has wider margin for error.

The image below shows the G5's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The G5 sensor has a crop factor of 2.1 and is shown in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 sensor size Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic G5 dimensions

Panasonic G5 weighs around 0.87 lbs (396 grams / 13.97 oz) & the volume of the camera is 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8"). The weight of average Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 grams so the Panasonic G5 is more heavy in comparison with its rivals.

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Below is a photo of the Panasonic G5 alongside a soft drink to help you to get a sense of its scale.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 dimensions scale

The top view here will show the button arrangement on the G5.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 topview buttons dials

Panasonic G5 Lens specs

The G5 works with the Micro Four Thirds mount and has 162 lenses available in the market. Below is a few of the lenses we have in our collection which will fit the G5.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Panasonic-Lumix-G-Vario-100-300mm-F4-5.6-II-Power-OIS lensPanasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm F4-5.6 II Power OIS100-300mmf/4-5.6 520g
Samyang-24mm-f1.4-ED-AS-UMC-Four-Thirds lensSamyang 24mm f1.4 ED AS UMC24mmf/1.4 580g
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Panasonic-Leica-D-Vario-Elmar-14-50mm-F3.8-5.6-Mega-OIS lensPanasonic Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm F3.8-5.6 Mega OIS14-50mmf/3.8-5.6 434g
Olympus-Zuiko-Digital-14-54mm-f2.8-3.5 lensOlympus Zuiko Digital 14-54mm f2.8-3.514-54mmf/2.8-3.5 435g
Panasonic-Leica-DG-Summilux-25mm-F1.4-II-ASPH lensPanasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm F1.4 II ASPH25mmf/1.4205g
Samyang-7.5mm-F3.5-UMC-Fisheye-MFT-Micro-Four-Thirds lensSamyang 7.5mm F3.5 UMC Fisheye MFT8mmf/3.5 197g
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Samyang-16mm-f2.0-ED-AS-UMC-CS-Four-Thirds lensSamyang 16mm f2.0 ED AS UMC CS16mmf/2.0 583g
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Panasonic G5 Connectivity

The G5 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras which include NFC or Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You will be able to transfer photos and usually adjust settings without connecting straight to the camera.

A few applications even stream a Liveview and release the shutter in case you are not near the camera. If the camera contains a HDMI port, it could be connected to an external monitor. Most cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack using the USB socket.

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Panasonic G5 Video specs

The highest possible video quality in the Panasonic G5 is 1920 x 1080 and you can shoot in MPEG-4 and AVCHD format. 1080p quality is an excellent balance for quality versus file sizes but 1080p isn't going to give you any room to crop. The camera does not offer a microphone or headphone jack so you have got little control over the sound. It is perhaps best to consider a different camera in case you want good sound for your video clips.

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Panasonic G5 Weather Sealing

Panasonic G5 does not include environment sealing so wet conditions could damage the camera.

Panasonic G5 Display and Viewfinder

The Panasonic G5 houses a 3 inch fully articulated screen supporting a resolution of 920 thousand dots.

The display is selfie friendly to take self portraits and even group photos when needed. Additionally the screen is touch friendly so you can shift focus point as well as adjust settings by using your fingertips.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The ViewFinder specifications for Panasonic G5 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • ViewFinder Resolution 1,440 thousand dots
  • ViewFinder Coverage 100%
  • ViewFinder Magnification 0.7x

Viewfinders are really useful for bright outdoor conditions which can easily make the camera display washed out and difficult to see.

Panasonic G5 Shutter specs

Panasonic G5 can shoot continuously at 6.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.

Photography Glossary

Panasonic G5 Flash and Hot shoe specs

Panasonic G5 has both built in flash together with external flash support. The highest flash sync speed is 1/160 seconds.

Panasonic G5 Autofocus specs

Panasonic G5 has just Contrast Based Auto Focus & doesn't have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier & precise in comparison with Contrast Based focusing. The camera boasts Face detect which is handy for people photography.

It boasts 23 focus points to choose from. Panasonic G5 has tap to focus. You can easily use your fingers in order to shift focus. It also features Tracking Auto Focus for subjects that move. Panasonic G5 includes manual focusing when required for low light situations or you want to have more exact focusing control.

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Panasonic G5 Battery life

The battery life for the Panasonic G5 is made to last for 320 photos according to the CIPA measurements which is similar to it's competition. The average Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 offers the best (750) battery life for this type of cameras.

Here is a listing of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras that come with the strongest battery life:

Panasonic G5 for specific types of photography

The following bar chart shows a summary of the Panasonic G5 for specific types of photography. To look at more, check out the specific section below.

Panasonic G5 as a Portrait photography camera

The Panasonic G5 has a points tally of 71 which is above average, meaning that it is a respectable pick for portrait images. Shooting portrait images favors heavily to sensor dimension, support for RAW files & flexibility to use external flash.

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has manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
comes with face detection autofocus
exports RAW formats

Panasonic G5 Street photography advice

Having a very good points tally of 66, the Panasonic G5 is a very decent fit for street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of picture quality and portability.

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screen articulates
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
saves RAW formats
features focus by touch
no image stabilization
more heavy than others in class (396g)

Panasonic G5 as a Sports photography camera

A moderate sports photography points total of 51 indicates the Panasonic G5 is somewhat appropriate for taking photos of sports. A camera really should have very good tracking and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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sensor resolution is decent (16 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
comes with tracking focus
max frames per second low (6.0 frames per second)
does not have image stabilization
does not have phase detect auto focus

Panasonic G5 as a Travel photography camera

Size is pretty crucial when choosing a camera for travel. On the whole, the Panasonic G5 gets a nice 66 as a travelling camera which is a very decent pick to take with you on your vacations.

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has touch to focus
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
display is selfie friendly
missing Timelapse function
more heavy than average in class (396 grams)

Panasonic G5 Landscape photography information

If you're planning to pick a digital camera for landscape photos, the most vital factor will no doubt be image quality. The Panasonic G5 with it's above average grade of 65 for a landscape camera is a fine choice within the current marketplace.

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has manual focus
swap lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
nice screen size (3 inch)
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is good (Four Thirds)
exports RAW files
lack of image stabilization
no Time Lapse mode

Panasonic G5 as a Vlogging camera

A camera for vlogging really should posses a moving display screen, microphone input and preferably IBIS. Considering all things, the Panasonic G5 is a respectable pick for vlogging as it delivers a very good rating of 62.

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display is selfie friendly
touchscreen capability
includes face detect focusing
great video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
does not have image stabilization
no mic support
heavier than competition in class (396 grams)

Panasonic G5 Alternatives

If you want alternatives to the G5, below is a range of the highest placed cameras that fall within the family of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The diagram down below provides you an overview of the G5 versus it's top ranked competitors mentioned above.

Following are several cameras you may look at as alternative options. To read a comprehensive comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Panasonic
Model type
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5
Class
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Released
2012-07-17
Physical type
SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor Chip
Venus Engine VII FHD
Sensor size
Four Thirds
Sensor dimensions
17.3 x 13mm
Sensor surface area
224.9mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW pictures
Maximum native ISO
12800
Minimum native ISO
160
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Total focus points
23
Lens
Lens mount type
Micro Four Thirds
Total lenses
107
Crop factor
2.1
Screen
Display type
Fully Articulated
Display diagonal
3"
Resolution of display
920 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display technology
TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
1,440 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage
100%
Viewfinder magnification
0.7x
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
61
DXO Color Depth rating
21.4
DXO Dynamic range rating
11.6
DXO Low light rating
618
Features
Minimum shutter speed
60 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/4000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate
6.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
10.50 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize
1/160 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video format
MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
396 gr (0.87 pounds)
Physical dimensions
120 x 83 x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8")
Other
Battery life
320 photographs
Battery type
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images))
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots
One
Cost at release
$699