Panasonic launched the GH5 at CES 2017, positioning it as the follow-up to the GH4. It’s a Micro Four Thirds camera, and video is clearly the priority here rather than stills.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a compact design with the feature of shooting 4K video at 60 fps.
GH5 makes a 20-megapixel upgrade from the previous generation which was launched in 2014 and relies on tuning from the Venus Engine processor to detail the recording whilst also eliminating noise interference. The ISO range of this machine is from 100 to 25,600.
The new Panasonic camera implements the Depth from Defocus technology for fast focus on up to 225 AF points with contrast control, which is twice as fast as the Lumix GH4, with the five-axis image stabilization being an additional feature of GH5.
Recording 4K video at 60 FPS or Full HD up to 180 FPS without time limit is the standout feature of the Lumix GH5. The data would be written on two SD card slots.
The overall design of Lumix GH5 is not much different from GH4. The device has a 3.2-inch flip flip touch screen the 3.6-million-pixel OLED electronic viewfinder also offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Panasonic’s new camera has been selling on the market for more than $2000. The optional Lumix GH5 with a 12-60mm lens costs $3200 for $3500 with a 12-35mm one.
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Impressive Image Quality
Sensor is a 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS, paired with the Venus Engine 10 processor. Together they turn out sharp, detailed stills with color that’s accurate straight out of camera, no real complaints there. Since no low-pass filter is set for the sensor, images become sharper, and the ISO range helps shooting with versatility at different light conditions from 200 to 25,600 (expandable to 100 – 25,600).
Dynamic range is another area in which GH5 excels among others. The camera is capable of capturing lots of tones, from deep shadows to bright highlights, well-balanced exposures in demanding lighting situations. The processor mainly acts to do noise reduction so that the image quality is kept high even at the higher ISO.
The autofocus holds up too. It’s built on Panasonic’s Depth From Defocus (DFD) tech, with 225 focus points spread across the frame. Even in bad light, it stays locked on. Burst shooting hits 12fps in single-shot AF, or drops to 9fps once you switch to continuous AF for tracking movement.
Video Capabilities
4K at 60fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording means you’re not stuck with 8-bit footage that falls apart the moment you try to grade it. That’s really why videographers keep reaching for this camera over cheaper ones.
V-LogL is the other reason — flat profile, wider dynamic range, more room to pull detail out of shadows and highlights without things turning to mush. Need slow motion instead? 180fps in Full HD covers that too.
When it comes to video recording, image stabilization is very important. It has an incredible 5-axis in-body image stabilization. This feature combined with lens-based stabilization (Dual I.S. 2) gives very stable and smooth footage during handheld shooting. This system suits such run-and-gun videographers, even the additional use of stabilization equipment is reduced.
Another strength of the GH5 is the audio quality. It comes equipped with a 3.5mm microphone jack and headphone jack for audio monitoring. It is capable of doing professional quality audio recording through an optional DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter that provides XLR inputs. This makes the GH5 completely able for all sound recording conditions.
Performance and Handling
Performance and handling become two main factors to consider with any camera, and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 fulfills the requirements under these areas. It has a speedy startup and response time so that users can capture the significant moment with no time wasted. An electronic shutter means silent shooting, a worthwhile feature when sound might be an issue.
In terms of battery life, GH5 has an excellent reputation for a mirrorless camera. CIPA rates it at about 410 shots per charge, which is on the low side by itself. The optional battery grip (DMW-BGGH5) fixes that — it holds a second DMW-BLF19, so you’re not swapping batteries mid-shoot. That’s the setup you actually want for a full day of professional work.
The menu navigation is user-friendly, its layout intuitive, and one can quickly ascertain how to operate settings and features. The customizable function buttons and My Menu option allow camera setup to suit various personal needs, resulting in more enjoyable shooting.
Connectivity and Storage
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, and the Panasonic Image App does the actual work — live view, remote shooting, changing settings, all from your phone. Useful when you’re shooting solo, doing a self-portrait, or just don’t want to be hunched over the camera for a long exposure.
The dual SD slots of GH5 accept cards of the UHS-II standard, granting alternatives for file management where relay, backup, and allocation recording can take place. In a professional setup, dual-recording to both cards provides data redundancy.
Moreover, it also has USB 3.1 Type-C for data transfer and charging, plus full-size HDMI for an external monitor and recorder connection, supporting 4:2:2 10-bit video output for good quality video encoding to external devices.
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
The GH5 has some exceptional video capabilities 4K 60fps, internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and V-logL support. The camera is really a magnet for all Video Makers.
When built with magnesium alloy and weather sealing, the camera will last under tough environments.
The combination of its high 20.3-megapixel resolution, the Venus Engine 10, and the omission of the low-pass filter all contribute to high image quality with great detail and dynamic range.
Great Stabilization. The 5-axis stabilization in the body together with lens stabilization makes very smooth and stable footage.
A whole bunch of connections: Dual SD card slots, USB 3.1 Type-C, full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Downsides of Focus Process in Low Light: It’s ultimately the case that autofocus does very well in most circumstances, but at times it can get a little lost in the very low light. Not all cameras can judge critically how low lighting conditions might affect their images. Size and Weight: Compared to other mirrorless cameras, the GH5 tends to be more bulky and heavy. Some people may consider this mammoth camera to not be necessarily easy to carry because they want compact cameras. Depending on the range of features they have, menus can baffle an amateur as most beginners have to get used to knowing almost everything about all features of the camera.
Final Assessment
Indeed, this is a fantastic camera in its own right and can, thus, be said to be a high bar for the future in the mirrorless camera world. Excellent video performance, a very robust, heavy-built body, and images that weigh high in quality allow it to stand out as a versatile tool for both professional videographers and photographers. Through its advanced features and intuitive handling, as well as with complete connectivity options, it aptly answers the needs of modern creators.
Even though there are improvements that could be made, such as in the low-light autofocus performance and the menu navigation, the pros of the GH5 will outweigh the cons very often. The camera performs high-quality footage, and engineers have kept its integrity intact in simplicity. Hence, this would be a handy camera for many purposes.
Whether a professional videographer searching for the best video quality, a versatile and trusted photographer, or a new and reliable tool to advance video creation projects, at least Panasonic has designed and carved an extensive package that will satisfy or even exceed your expectations. Even with all the technological advancements, the GH5 remains proof to Panasonic’s innovation and commitment to the future in providing high-performance cameras for modern creators.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.