Performance
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Review – Performance
See more images taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 in our sample image gallery
As with many Panasonic G-series cameras, the autofocusing of the GM5 is class-leading. Panasonic claims a CIPA test of 0.06 sec AF speed for the GM5. In real-world use, it is noticeably snappy. In low-light conditions it still finds focus, quickly aided by the AF-assist beam. The touch-sensitive screen brings several advantages, such as positioning an AF point anywhere in the scene for easy and accurate focusing. Also, using a pinch gesture on the LCD gives users the ability to resize the focus point.
Due to the 4:3 ratio of the sensor and the 16:9 ratio of the LCD screen, around 25% of the screen is left blank when shooting in full resolution. This means the onscreen image is in fact smaller than on the GM1, which uses a 3:2 LCD display.
However, I found the LCD was bright and clear to use in all situations other than in direct sunlight. Although the EVF is small, it’s reassuring to know it’s there to fall back on in challenging conditions. The EVF is nothing outstanding, but it’s perfectly good for composing images and using from time to time. With a smaller camera, it’s easy to wobble it around in hand, so bringing the camera closer to the eye adds some stability and reduces the risk of camera shake.
Like many G-series cameras, a 1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system is used to meter the exposures on the GM5. Overall, the metering performs well, but I found in some overcast landscape situations the metering was underexposed and in some low-light indoor shots the camera exposed slightly over in order to keep detail in the shadows. This can be corrected using the +/- 5 EV exposure compensation on the LCD screen or by pressing and moving the scroll wheel.
