Panasonic Lumix GH5 review

Panasonic Lumix GH5 review

Panasonic Lumix GH5 is believed to be the most advanced Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras and DSLRs are the new trends. They are not only capable of clicking high-quality photographs but as well as videos. 

GH5, in particular, comes with unique interchangeable lenses that you can use for photography and video recording. It has made consumer camcorders obsolete with its 4K/60P video capture.

Its stand-out features and convenience have made it quite a popular choice, especially among pro filmmakers.

Let us take a closer look into Panasonic Lumix GH5’s distinctive features.

Image quality

GH5 comes with a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor that captures every minute detail excellently. It has an extraordinary low light capability and decent noise level (up to ISO 3,200). 

Though it fails to match the extreme resolution and shoot-in-pitch black capabilities like some larger full-frame cameras, it is not half bad. When it comes to bright light photography, the camera captures spectacular depths. 

The hues of colors are captured accurately. When it comes to RAW files, you receive plenty of options to adjust colors for specific results.

Soft backgrounds, close-ups, and portraits are also captured quite professionally by the camera.

The camera features the 10th generation venus engine, which ensures high picture quality output. Further, it is also capable of capturing fast-moving subjects very efficiently.

Hardware and design

GH5 has a versatile design and is user-friendly through and through. It sports a fine grip design. The model weighs only 660g, which is convenient. The camera is durable for outdoor photography. Not only this, it consists of a large EVF with a touch screen interface, which adds to its assets.

The camera comes with six buttons that are customizable for your use. It has a Live View Finder splendid ration and high-speed OLED display. It is waterproof, weather secure, and freezeproof up to -10 degrees Celsius. 

These features make it a wise option for nature photographers. They would no longer have to worry about their camera while working in extreme temperatures. Not only this, its magnesium alloy full cast front makes it splash-proof and dustproof too.

You receive a 200,200 shutter release lifespan. You can easily record 4k video for 2 hours straight when its battery is adequately charged. The camera includes a microphone and a headphone jack too.

The video formats that the camera supports include MOV, MP4, AVCHD, and AVCHD Progressive. It also has a double SD Card slot and HDMI type A terminal.

Camera connectivity

GH5 has Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity that offers great flexibility and convenient sharing options. Through Bluetooth (4.2), you can easily connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet without much power consumption.

The constant connectivity that the camera offers is in great demand among users. Panasonic did not fail to include this feature in view of the present consumer needs.

Hence the connectivity features provided by the camera adds to its ease in handling and use.  

Video

The eye-catching ability of the camera to shoot 4k is one of its most popular features. Its full sensor readout assures full-size detailed footage recording. The 4K video is recorded by using the full width of the sensor. You suffer no time limitation while shooting a 4k/60p video using this camera.

The videography feature has made Panasonic Lumix GH5 a preferred tool in pro filmmaker gear sets. The camera can record at twice the frame rate than any other 4K mirrorless camera.

You receive multiple autofocus modes that make the video performance even better. The video specs on the GH5 are highly advanced. You would require proper editing software such as Adobe Premium Pro or Apple Final Cut Pro.

The camera also provides the added benefit of its dual stabilization system during video shooting.

Autofocus

The GH5 camera’s autofocus points range from 49 to 225. This feature enables more composition possibilities and precision. Autofocus mode in Panasonic Lumix GH5 is relatively quick.

The quickest and accurate autofocus modes are the pinpoint and one-area focus. However, the 225 area autofocus mode can be a bit slow. In pinpoint autofocus, sharp shots are captured by the camera almost every time.

Autofocus can also be customized by the user. They can do so by using the Custom Multi-Mode. This mode enables you to pick just how the focal points to be laid out (in the cluster or straight line).

The speed in this mode is similar to 225 area autofocus mode. There are face priority autofocus and tracking. Autofocus is also available in video mode.

Battery

For a mirrorless camera, GH5 has good battery life. The camera’s dual record feature does not affect its battery. This is the most impressive feature of its battery usage.

When completely charged, you can capture as many as 400 shots and 2 hours’ worth of video 4K video footage. The battery life, in comparison to many mirrorless cameras, is far better. However, some consider it to be not enough.

Pros

  • Improved JPEG processing engine (does a good job with contrast saturation, hue accuracy)
  • 6K photos capturing feature allows you to capture 18 and 8-megapixel JPEG images.
  • Improved frame rate with up to 180fps and slow-motion quality
  • Brilliant software updates with improved autofocus function.
  • Efficient in shooting 4k footage at up to 59.49p and 48p.  

Cons

  • Small sensor (large sensors tend to offer better low-light performance and dynamic range)
  • It has no built-in flash or high-resolution composite mode.
  • On ISO, it is not as good as Nikon D500 and Sony Alpha A75 II.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a high profession and multipurpose camera, then Panasonic Lumix GH5 is just the right option for you. Panasonic has endowed the camera with mind-blowing and unique features.

The camera serves the purpose of multiple separate types of equipment. You can click photographs and shoot high-quality videos without much effort. Through GH5, Panasonic has raised the bar for other mirrorless cameras in competition. It is a very capable and technologically advanced camera for professional use.

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