Panasonic has been rumoured to be working on a companion to the diminutive DMC-GM1 compact system camera in the run-up to Photokina, but we were still impressed when the company made the GM5 official at its press conference. Launched as the world's smallest CSC with a live viewfinder, we were eager to try one out and see whether it was a worthy addition to the Lmuix range.
When you first see the GM5 next to other, "regular size" digital cameras it's clear just how small it is. Only 5.7mm deeper and 5.4mm taller than the GM1, it's able to sit confortably in the palm of your hand. It's amazing you're able to change lenses on something which looks like a child's version of an adult product - especially in the optional red colour seen here. You can of course get one in a more restrained black, but we think the red just adds to its playful charm.
Panasonic has made room for the electronic viewfinder and hotshoe by removing the pop-up flash seen in the GM1. We think this is a great idea, as the flash is small and light enough to take with you anywhere in a pocket, yet doesn't take up unnecessary space if you're only going to be shooting during the day.
It also helps set the GM5 apart from its little brother. Panasonic told us it expects the GM5 to appeal to photographers that want more flexibility with accessories and image framing, while the GM1 is best suited to those that are happy purely with interchangeable lenses. The GM1 isn't going end-of-life, and will most likely see a small price cut to reflect its place in the range.
The GM5 also has additional function buttons above the LCD display and a thumb dial for making quick changes to shutter speed or aperture depending on the mode you're currently shooting in. It's conveniently placed, so you don't have to pull your eye away from the viewfinder when framing a shot - even if you have large hands.
Internally, there's not a lot to split the two cameras; both have the same 16-megapixel, micro four thirds sensor, although the GM5 gets 50% faster autofocus refresh rates and has a significantly brighter screen - meaning you should be able to see your subject clearly even in bright sunlight. Unsurprisingly it's a fixed display, with no tilt option, as this would add to the bulk of the camera, but it is fully touch-sensitive. You can control just about every part of the camera from the screen should you wish.
The bundled kit lens is equally compact, sticking out just 24mm from the camera when closed. It must be manually extended before use, but the 24-64mm equivalent range and on-lens image stabilisation should make it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Although we haven't been able to closely examine the test shots we took using the GM5, the pre-production sample we used impressed us with a speedy autofocus. We'll have to wait for a full review model to see how it copes with different lighting situations. With the same sensor as the GM1, it should be able to shoot clean images up to ISO 3,200 with plenty of detail.
Expected to cost £769 when it launches in the UK in November, complete with the 12-34mm kit lens seen here, it looks like you'll have to pay a premium for the GM5's compact dimensions. However, in terms of flexibility, it's a big step up from the GM1 and the viewfinder alone should make it more attractive to a wider group of photographers.
We'll be giving it a full review a little closer to launch, but based on what we've seen so far it could be a serious alternative to a premum fixed lens compact.
