Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5

    60
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    Highlights

    • 12.1 MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
    • 160 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • 23 Focus Points (23 Cross-type)
    • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
    • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • 30 min Video Recording Limit
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 was announced in 2012 and is a Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) Mirrorless camera with 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 160 to 12,800. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution.

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Panasonic -GFx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Panasonic -GFx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF8
    Compare
    		February
    2016    		 16 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 200 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF7
    Compare
    		February
    2015    		 16 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 200 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF6
    Compare
    		April
    2013    		 16 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 160 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    1,040k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF5 April
    2012    		 12.1 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 160 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF3
    Compare
    		August
    2011    		 12 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 160 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF2
    Compare
    		February
    2011    		 12 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Panasonic GF1
    Compare
    		October
    2009    		 12 MP
    Micro Four Thirds    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    460k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 vs Lumix DMC-GF7 vs Lumix DMC-GF6 vs Lumix DMC-GF5 vs Lumix DMC-GF3 vs Lumix DMC-GF2.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5.

    PROS

    •   Cheap
    •   Video Capture
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   160 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 to its predecessor Lumix DMC-GF3 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
    Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 460k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 3.2 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 573 vs 459
    Speaker Mono vs
    Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
    Longer Battery Life 360 shots vs 300 shots
    Orientation Sensor vs
    DOWNGRADES Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
    Lower DxO Color Depth 20.5 vs 20.6
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 10.0 vs 10.1
    Heavier 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz) vs 264 g (0.58 lb / 9.31 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 vs Lumix DMC-GF3.

    Successor

    In 2013 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 was replaced by Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5
    Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 12.1 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3448 vs 4000 x 3000
    Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 920k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.2 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 622 vs 573
    Higher DxO Color Depth 20.7 vs 20.5
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 10.6 vs 10.0
    Higher DxO Overall Score 54 vs 50
    Built-In Wi-Fi vs
    DOWNGRADES Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5
    Heavier 323 g (0.71 lb / 11.39 oz) vs 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz)
    Shorter Battery Life 340 shots vs 360 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 vs Lumix DMC-GF6.

    Screen

    Fixed Touchscreen

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 has a 3.0" Fixed touchscreen with 920k dot resolution.

    Sensor

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 features a 12.1 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 224.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 160 - 12,800.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5's Micro Four Thirds sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.3 x 13 mm224.9 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with Venus Engine FHD processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4000 x 2672, 4000 x 2248, 2992 x 2992, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2112 x 2112, 2048 x 1536, 2048x1360, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1600 x 904, 1504 x 1504, 1440 x 1440 with 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to Micro Four Thirds sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 2x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5.

    Panasonic GF3
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    12 MP

    Panasonic GF7
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    16 MP

    Panasonic GF6
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    16 MP

    Panasonic GF2
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    12 MP

    Panasonic GF8
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    16 MP

    Panasonic GF1
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    12 MP

    Sony a5000
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.1 MP

    OM System OM-1
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    20.4 MP

    Sony a6100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Panasonic G100
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX20
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung GX-1S
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini TypeC HDMI connector for video signal output.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5's shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


    Flash

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 6.30 m. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 has dimensions of 108 x 67 x 37 mm (4.25 x 2.64 x 1.46"). It weighs 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    108 mm (4.25")

    67 mm (2.64")

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    67 mm (2.64")

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    37 mm (1.46")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 dimensions

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    76

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 gets a score of 76 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    84

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 gets a score of 84 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 Evaluation

    We evaluate Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and give score of 60 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    60

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 64 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Small Sensor
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
    •   160 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Low DxO Overall Score - 50

    Photo

    POOR
    48

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 48 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    BAD
    16

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 16 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    GOOD
    75

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 75 for Focusing parameters.

    •   23 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Touch-to-Focus
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    76

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 76 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Touch Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    65

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 65 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    43

    We give Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 a score of 43 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 267 g (0.59 lb / 9.42 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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