The Lumix GH5 is the most recent model in Panasonic’s top-of-the-line GH series of mirrorless cameras. These cameras have carved out a place for themselves over the years owing to the extensive collection of movie-making tools that they provide.
The currently available GH4 was introduced at the beginning of 2014, and it has been beginning to appear a little bit outdated when placed against some good competition.
Panasonic hopes its most recent model will reestablish the brand as the number one choice for the professional videographer and appeal to a broader market of enthusiast photographers looking for a capable camera that can shoot great stills and movie footage. Let’s take a more in-depth look, shall we?
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Features
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 has a 20.3-megapixel sensor that does not have a low pass filter, similar to what we have seen on some other recent Micro Four Third cameras. As a result, extracting even more data from the chip should be possible.
Even though the resolution is the same as that of the Lumix GX8, Panasonic claims that the sensor is different and would provide the highest-quality images ever produced by a Lumix camera.
In addition, a new Venus Engine has a processing capability that is 1.66 times quicker than before, owing to an extra processing core. Panasonic promises that this will result in more realistic, true-to-life photos with improved noise reduction. Because of this, the GH5 should be able to successfully remove artifacts such as artificial white edges and reduce fringing and oversharpen images.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Video
Although Panasonic is promoting the Lumix GH5 to both professional videographers and amateur photographers, it seems likely that most units will end up in the hands of the former. As a result, it should not be surprising that the GH5 features a fantastic movie spec.
This means that while shooting in 4K, rather than using a portion of the sensor that had been cropped, as was the case with the GH4, the GH5 uses the whole width of the chip and then downsamples the film while it is still in the camera. Because of this, the image’s aspect ratio will be preserved, and you can utilize your lenses like you would while taking stills.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Build Quality
Even though one of the primary selling points of mirrorless cameras was their ability to be more compact than their DSLR equivalents – something that has historically been especially true for Micro Four Thirds models – the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is approximately 13% larger than its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix GH4.
Although this may seem a step backward, we believe the Lumix GH5 has improved due to this change. Panasonic has removed the built-in flash on the GH4; Nikon recently did the same thing with the D500. This change in design, along with the magnesium alloy chassis and the large, purposeful handgrip, helps the GH5 feel like the high-end professional piece of equipment it is intended to be. It is an enjoyable experience to pick up and start shooting with this camera.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Autofocus
The autofocus system of the Panasonic Lumix GH5 has undergone a significant upgrade in comparison to the one that was present in the camera that it replaced, which had been in use for three years. The new system has 225 areas and covers a significant part of the frame.
In addition to the Multi AF mode, there is also a Custom Multi mode that allows you to freely pick the AF-area group, also known as Zone AF, and the ability to modify the focus area group size and location.
Users can also set up four different profiles with adjustable sensitivity, AF area switching sensitivity, and moving object prediction, depending on the type of subject they intend to shoot. Interestingly, the GH5 now has motion-tracking built into the system, so this feature is already available to users.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Performance
When determining exposure, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 employs the tried and tested 1,728-zone metering system the firm has developed and does a pretty good job at. As a result, there were hardly any instances where we needed to play about with the exposure compensation to achieve the desired outcomes.
It’s the same scenario with the auto white balance on the Lumix GH5, with the camera providing realistic pictures. However, if you want a bit of extra warmth when the conditions are a little cloudy, you might want to choose one of the specific presets to push things.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Image Quality
When cameras that use it are compared to cameras that use larger APS-C and full-frame sensors at a similar price point, the smaller proportions of the Micro Four Thirds sensor that the Panasonic GH5 utilizes have been seen as a bit of an Achilles heel by some. At the very least, this is the case when looking at still photography.
Panasonic (and, for that matter, Olympus) has made significant advancements in the design of sensors, and the 20.3-megapixel chip included in the GH5 is the company’s most crucial offering yet.
Because it does not have an optical low pass filter, the Panasonic GH5 can offer outstanding quality even at lower sensitivities, making it competitive with APS-C competitors with the same number of pixels.
When the photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix G5 are examined separately, the results appear satisfactory over the whole ISO range, even though we can detect a trace of luminance noise (which resembles grain) at lower sensitivities. This is represented mainly by color blocks, and while it is only genuinely discernible during an extremely close inspection, it is still present.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 22 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine 10 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis; Supports Dual IS 2 |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.31)Raw (Panasonic RW2) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2x, 4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 225 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 1,620,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.52× (0.76× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3,680,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | AutoProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Redeye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On w/Redeye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync w/Redeye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Continuous drive | 12.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs; 10 secs w/3 shots) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 4096 x 2160 (24p), 3840 x 2160 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Modes | 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 72 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 72 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 72 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 24 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (4:2:2 10-bit output up to 30p. (4:2:2 10-bit w/o internal recording, 4:2:2 8-bit with internal recording, at >30p 4K)) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n/ac with Bluetooth 4.2 LE |
| Remote control | Yes (via cable release or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLF19 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 725 g (1.60 lb / 25.57 oz) |
| Dimensions | 139 x 98 x 87 mm (5.47 x 3.86 x 3.43″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a considerably more well-rounded piece of equipment, in contrast to the previous two cameras in the GH series, which gave the impression that they were video cameras pretending to be stills cameras.
It is undoubtedly one of the most incredible 4K camera options available, if not the best before you start thinking about dedicated professional video cameras. Moreover, that video capacity is backed up by a beautiful set of capabilities for the photographer who primarily works with still images.
