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currently available GH4 was introduced back at the beginning of 2014, and it has been beginning to appear a little bit outdated when placed up against some good competition.
Panasonic is hoping that its most recent model will not only re-establish the brand as the number one choice for the professional videographer but will also appeal to a broader market of enthusiast photographers who are looking for a competent camera that can shoot great stills and movie footage. Let’s take a more in-depth look…
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, it should be possible to extract even more data from the chip.
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, there is a new Venus Engine, which 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, as well as 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 the majority of units will end up in the hands of the former. As a result, it should not be a surprise 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 aspect ratio of the image will be preserved, and you’ll be able to utilize your lenses the same way you would while taking stills.
The Lumix GH5 is now capable of recording video in Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) at 60 frames per second with a bit rate of 150Mbps. Full HD video recording is also possible, and it can go up to an imposing 180 frames per second.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Build Quality
Even though the original concept behind mirrorless cameras was that they would 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 appear to be a step backward, we believe that the Lumix GH5 has improved due to this change.
The built-in flash on the GH4 has been removed from the GH5. 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 that it is intended to be. Nikon has also recently removed the built-in flash from the D500. 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 the great part of the frame.
In addition to the Multi AF mode, there is also a Custom Multi mode that gives you the ability to freely pick the AF-area group, also known as Zone AF, and gives you 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 – it is interesting to note that the GH5 now has motion-tracking built into the system. Users can set up four profiles with adjustable sensitivity, AF area switching sensitivity, and moving object prediction.
Compared to the GH4, which focused in 0.07 seconds, the Lumix GH5 focuses in 0.05 seconds, and the Venus Engine can now analyze information at 480 frames per second.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Performance
When determining exposure, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 employs the tried and tested 1,728-zone metering system that the firm has developed, and it does a pretty good job at it. There were hardly any instances in which we needed to play about with the exposure compensation to achieve the outcomes we desired.
It’s the same scenario with the auto white balance on the Lumix GH5, with the camera providing natural 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 give things a bit of a push.
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 to be satisfactory over the whole ISO range, even though we can detect a trace of luminance noise (which resembles grain) at lower sensitivities. This is mainly represented by color blocks, and while it is only truly 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-weightedSpot |
| 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 int ernal 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.
The video specifications and capabilities that are provided are still excellent; in fact, this is likely one of the ideal options for a 4K camera that can be found on the market right now, and that’s before you even start thinking about specialized professional video cameras.
The Lumix GH5 also benefits from its very compact size. The body of the camera is proportionately comparable to that of a professional DSLR; but because it has a Micro Four Thirds mount, the optics are far smaller than those of competitors that use APS-C or full-frame sensors. Therefore the total package is much more compact.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 Price
