Panasonic G5 review

With an exciting number of new technologies, is this the ultimate CSC?

Panasonic G5
Panasonic's latest compact system camera, which it is dubbing a DSLM, has lots to offer enthusiast and novice photographers

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Panasonic G5 sample image

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Lots of detail can be captured by the G5's 16 million pixel Four Thirds sensor. This image has been shot with a Panasonic 45mm macro lens, with the camera in "Expressive" mode to boost the colours.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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In standard colour mode, the G5 produces images which are bright and punchy, without being overly vibrant.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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In artificial lighting conditions the G5 has a tendency to err on the side of warm when using the Auto White Balance function.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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This image was shot with a 25mm Panasonic lens, and shows the kinds of creative effects that can be had with a wide aperture. It has also been shot with a Cross Process effect.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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Panasonic G5 sample image

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These two images show the difference between the camera in "normal" mode and when using the "Impressive Art" Creative Effect.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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A large number of lenses are available for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This was shot on a 7-14mm ultra wide angle lens.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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The Toy Camera effect (also used in the previous picture) creates a vignette around the edge of the image to replicate a pinhole type effect.

Panasonic G5 sample image

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Panasonic shares the Micro Four Thirds format with Olympus, meaning that lenses can be swapped between the two. This image was taken with an Olympus 45mm f/1.8 portrait lens.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.