Panasonic Unveils the Lumix GM5

Earlier this week at the Photokina trade show, Panasonic introduced the LUMIX DMC-GM5! Skipping three whole numbers from the amazing little GM1, the new GM5 sports a number of improvements over the now “old” GM1.

Big things in small packages

The body design now uses a magnesium alloy, and the GM5 now integrates a 1,166K-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) with approx.0.92x / 0.46x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. This LVF boasts 100% color reproduction, same as that on the LUMIX GX7.

The GM5 takes advantage of the 16 megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine, so images are rendered with high resolution even when shot in low-lit situations and at a maximum 25,600 ISO sensitivity. I’m looking forward to testing this low-light sensitivity first hand.

Panasonic says the contrast AF system of GM5 excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging a digital signal between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps. A variety of extensive AF functions including new Face / Eye Detection AF, Low Light AF, Pinpoint AF and One-shot AF enhances usability to comply with a wide-range of shooting situations.

The touch-control system integrated into the 3-inch high resolution screen in 16:9 lets users set focus on the subject by just tapping the screen. And photographers can also opt to have the camera release the shutter after focusing on the touch point. True point and click!

Hollywood, in your pocket

The GM5 has a Full HD 1920 x 1080, 60p (60 Hz) high quality video recording in AVCHD progressive and MP4 with stereo sound. The practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording too! The cinema-like 24p video with the bit rate of max. 24 Mbps or P/A/S/M mode should create some amazing cinematic looking videos… and out of such a tiny package, this might be a game changer for those looking for a good b-roll camera.

The GM5 features a new video recording option called “Snap Movie Mode”. Users can record video for short period of time (2/4/6/8 sec) as they shoot “moving photos”. It is also easy to share these “Snapped Movies” using the Panasonic Image App for iPhone or Android. And photographers can access these little movies later to add variety of effects and/or music.

Creative Controls

The GM5 also incorporates the Creative Control mode with a total of 22 filter effects including Time Lapse Shot, Stop Motion Animation or Clear Retouch. For more manual photography, Time (long exposure) function is newly added that lets photographers to set exposure time max. 60 sec.

The GM5 allows photographers to use a max. shutter speed of 1/16,000 for action photography. And the camera is has Focus Peaking, Silent Mode, Highlight/Shadow Control and Level Gauge.

Connectivity

With the Wi-Fi connectivity, users can connect the camera to their smartphone / tablet to expand shooting flexibility. It is also possible to use a smartphone / tablet as a multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor. With the Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to the smartphone / tablet immediately after shooting. Kind of like a wireless tether! Additionally, both images and video can be archived to the registered digital equipment such as PC automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home. Sadly, no word on when a Mac version will be available though.

An external flash unit is bundled to mount on the newly added hot shoe (in black or silver). On the other hand, the GM5 allows attachment of Hand Grip DMW-HGR1 (black / silver, sold separately) to enhance ergonomics and grip.

With the GM5, it looks like Panasonic have packed performance and an amazing number of advanced-amateur/pro features in a sleek, ultra-compact body.