The G5 launched in 2012 as a mid-tier body with a 12.1MP Live MOS sensor, a fully articulated touchscreen, and a 1.44MP viewfinder. It offered no IBIS, no 4K, and no Wi-Fi, which makes it difficult to recommend on the used market today. At 396g it was a reasonable size for its era. It was the G series stepping toward consumer-friendliness before Panasonic jumped to 16MP with the G6. It replaces the Panasonic Lumix G3. It has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix G6. At 396g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 142g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the OM System OM-3 if you want more controls at the cost of 18g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Cons
- No in-body image stabilisation
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2012-08 |
| Weight | 396g |
| Dimensions | 120.4 × 83.4 × 71.6mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fully articulated |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 12.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 12.1MP |
| Resolution | 4000 × 3000 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 1.44MP |
| EVF magnification | 0.67x |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | No |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | DMW-BLC12 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Panasonic Lumix G5 have IBIS?
No. The Panasonic Lumix G5 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the Panasonic Lumix G5 weather sealed?
No. The Panasonic Lumix G5 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Panasonic Lumix G5 shoot 4K video?
No. The Panasonic Lumix G5 does not record 4K video.
Does the Panasonic Lumix G5 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Panasonic Lumix G5 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Panasonic Lumix G5 use?
The Panasonic Lumix G5 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Panasonic Lumix G5 weigh?
The Panasonic Lumix G5 weighs 396g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Panasonic Lumix G5 still worth buying?
The Panasonic Lumix G5 has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix G6. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Panasonic Lumix G5 remains a capable body, but the Panasonic Lumix G6 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.