Verdict
Considering the camera’s size, the GM5 is capable of some amazing things. In a body not much larger in length and height than a credit card, it packs a huge four-thirds sensor, which gives great image quality. We’ve seen it used in many Panasonic cameras before the GM5 and it has always been impressive.
At ISO 400, the images look clean and I wouldn’t have an issue with using between ISO 400 and 800. Around ISO 1600 a lot of luminance noise starts to creep into the raw files and there is noticeable detail loss in JPEG images when viewed at 100%. However, for small prints or web work the images look fine right up to ISO 3200.
One of the most impressive things about the GM5 is the autofocusing system. It’s incredibly fast, finding focus in a fraction of a second even in challenging conditions. I found thanks to this it made a really good street photography camera, particularly when shooting from the hip.
As with the GM1, the GM5 does compromise on the quality of handling due to its small size. The menu system is great, but it’s the button placement that’s just not quite right. The handling experience of the GM5 is different, but I wouldn’t say it was much better than the GM1. It’s still a bit fiddly and not as refined as it perhaps could be.
Although I didn’t find myself solely relying on it, the addition of the EVF is nice to have. I think this will certainly broaden the appeal of the camera for more travel enthusiasts.
In short, the camera is a trade-off between size and usability. If compactness is crucial to you, then the GM5 is a winner. It would be hard to find another camera that can match the image quality of the GM5 and still fit inside a top pocket – the GM1 excepted, of course.
