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Panasonic GF2 vs GF5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2010 and April 2012. Both the GF2 and the GF5 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 12 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GF2
versus
Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF2   Panasonic GF5
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12 MP – Four Thirds sensor 12 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 160-6,400 (160 - 12,800)
Viewfinder optional No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
2.6 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
300 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
113 x 68 x 33 mm, 310 g 108 x 67 x 37 mm, 267 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GF2 and the Panasonic GF5 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GF2 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, red, white), while the GF5 is available in three color-versions (black, red, white).

Size Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic GF5
Compare GF2 versus GF5 top
Comparison GF2 or GF5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GF5 is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Panasonic GF2. Moreover, the GF5 is markedly lighter (14 percent) than the GF2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the GF2 nor the GF5 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the GF2 gets 300 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLD10 battery, while the GF5 can take 360 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLE9 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The GF5 was somewhat cheaper (by 9 percent) than the GF2 at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a Four Thirds sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Panasonic GF2 and Panasonic GF5 sensor measures

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 12 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the GF2 and the GF5 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the GF5 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the GF2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 are ISO 160 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 160-12800.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

GF2 versus GF5 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the GF2 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the GF5 (overall score 4 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
2.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
3.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
4.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
5.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
6.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
7.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
8.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
9.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
10.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
11.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
12.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
13.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60i).

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The GF2 and the GF5 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the GF2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the DMW-LVF1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic GF2 and Panasonic GF5 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
3.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
6.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GF2 and the GF5 write their files to SDXC cards. The GF5 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the GF2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the GF2 has a hotshoe, while the GF5 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Both the GF2 and the GF5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GF2 was replaced by the Panasonic GF3, while the GF5 was followed by the Panasonic GF6. Further information on the features and operation of the GF2 and GF5 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GF2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GF5 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic GF2 and the Panasonic GF5? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2:

  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in November 2010).


Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5:

  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4 vs 2.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 43g or 14 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (360 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 5 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the GF5 emerges as the winner of the match-up (6 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

GF2 04:06 GF5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GF2 and the Panasonic GF5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GF2 and the GF5 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic GF5

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic GF2 Panasonic GF5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date November 2010 April 2012
    Launch Price USD 549 USD 499
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GF2 Panasonic GF5
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 4000 x 3000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.33 μm 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 5.34 MP/cm2 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 160 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 160 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 54 50
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.2 20.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3 10.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 506 573
    Screen Specs Panasonic GF2 Panasonic GF5
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GF2 Panasonic GF5
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 2.6 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GF2 Panasonic GF5
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Panasonic GF2 Panasonic GF5
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLD10 Panasonic DMW-BLE9
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge360 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 113 x 68 x 33 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.3 in)
    108 x 67 x 37 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 310 g (10.9 oz) 267 g (9.4 oz)
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