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Panasonic GF5 Comparison Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was officially introduced in April 2012 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.

camera

Is the Panasonic GF5 a good camera? The GF5 has a Camera Elo of 1431. This rating puts the GF5 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the GF5 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic GF5 is more than 11 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2012.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GF5
Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses
12 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60i Video
ISO 160 - 6 400 (160 - 12 800)
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen
4 shutter flaps per second
360 shots per battery charge
108 x 67 x 37 mm, 267 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Panasonic GF5 vis-à-vis a credit card. 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.

Panasonic GF5 vs credit card front
GF5 versus credit card top view
GF5 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic GF5 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
11.
 
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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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic GF5 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. 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.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and 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 tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Panasonic GF5 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic GF5 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Panasonic GF5 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
3.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
4.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
5.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
6.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
7.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
8.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
9.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
10.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
11.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The GF5 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the GF5 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic GF5 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   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 GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
4.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
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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One convenient feature of the GF5 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection 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-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
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the GF5 can be found in the free online Panasonic GF5 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the GF5 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date 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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Panasonic GF5 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the GF5.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Panasonic GF5?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic GF5 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Panasonic equipped the GF5 with the Venus FHD image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic GF5?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 6400.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5?

Panasonic does not publish a shutter rating for the GF5. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Panasonic GF5?

Panasonic embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your GF5 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Panasonic GF5 shutter count page.

Does the Panasonic GF5 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Panasonic GF5 for flash photography?

The GF5's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Does the Panasonic GF5 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Panasonic GF5 use?

The camera gets its power from the DMW-BLE9 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Panasonic GF5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date April 2012
    Launch Price USD 499
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 000 x 3 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 6 400 ISO
    ISO Boost 160 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 50
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 573
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type DMW-BLE9 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 108 x 67 x 37 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 267 g (9.4 oz)

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