The GM5 from 2014 was a minor expansion of the GM1 concept, adding a built-in 1.17MP EVF to the ultra-compact 211g body while keeping the same 16MP Live MOS sensor and fixed touchscreen. No IBIS, no 4K. The viewfinder is tiny at 0.5x magnification. It is the only M43 camera this compact with any kind of built-in viewfinder, which makes used examples appealing to size-obsessed shooters despite the lack of stabilization. It replaces the Panasonic Lumix GM1. At 211g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 327g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 122g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Pros
- Tiny body with a built-in viewfinder
- Good 16MP image quality
- Highly portable
Cons
- No in-body stabilisation
- Small controls and battery
- Limited used availability
Pocketable street with a viewfinder
The GM5 takes the ultra-compact GM concept and adds a small electronic viewfinder, making it a rare pocketable M43 body you can shoot at eye level. It suits street and travel photographers who want maximum discretion without giving up a viewfinder, though the tiny controls and lack of stabilisation are the price of the size. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2014-10 |
| Weight | 211g |
| Dimensions | 102.3 × 59.8 × 36.1mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fixed |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16MP |
| Resolution | 4592 × 3448 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 1.17MP |
| EVF magnification | 0.5x |
| 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 | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | DMW-BLH7 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Panasonic Lumix GM5 have IBIS?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM5 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the Panasonic Lumix GM5 weather sealed?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM5 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GM5 shoot 4K video?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM5 does not record 4K video.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GM5 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GM5 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Panasonic Lumix GM5 use?
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Panasonic Lumix GM5 weigh?
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 weighs 211g (body only, with battery and card).
What did the Panasonic Lumix GM5 replace?
The Panasonic Lumix GM5 replaces the Panasonic Lumix GM1. It improves on AF system, sensor performance, and video capabilities compared to its predecessor.