Test new miniature camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5

Panasonic is at Photokina 2014 introduced a new model GM-series – the camera Lumix DMC-GM5. New model very similar to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 (read the review), but with built-in viewfinder and “hot shoe” for an external flash. The presence of the viewfinder, however, had no effect on the compactness of the camera. We offer you an overview of the new camera standard Micro Four Thirds.

Housing

From a design standpoint, the novelty is not so different from the camera GM1. The casing is made of metal GM5, beautiful finish material present beneath the skin. The camera is available in red and black colors. GM5 remained the same tiny, like its predecessor. It weighs only 211 grams (compared to GM1 weighs 204 grams), size – 98,5 × 59,5 × 36,1 mm. This camera is easy to put into any pocket or purse. But because of the small size of the camera and the lack of front projection some amateurs with big hands grip may not seem very comfortable. On the rear and the top panel focused all the basic controls that may be needed to the photographer.

The scheme is similar to the control chamber GM1, but there are some changes. In particular, the small steering wheel moved slightly higher from the navigation menu, press it has received feature that allows you to quickly change the aperture and shutter speed. By the way, thanks to the high-speed electro-mechanical shutter GM5 can work exposure up to 1/16 000 seconds, which is very useful when working with high-aperture lenses. On the rear panel are five buttons for menu navigation. On the case of a separate button to start recording. On the front of the camera mount is placed and an AF illuminator. Located on top of the “hot shoe”, the shutter button and the focus mode switch.

Matrix

The model GM5 used exactly the same bunch of “sensor + processor,” and that in the chamber GX7 (our review). So both of these devices provide comparable quality still images with a resolution of 4592 x 3448 pixels. 16-megapixel sensor standard MFT (17,3h13 mm) and Venus Engine processor can increase the ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 units. In contrast to the above-mentioned models GX7, the novelty is no built-in image stabilizer. Users can only hope for the use of stabilized optics. The maximum frame rate with mechanical shutter with electronic front shutter and at full resolution up to 5.8 frames / sec. However, a small buffer allows the camera to not save more than 5 – 6 frames in RAW without delay. When truncated resolution pictures and electronic shutter can “click” at up to 40 frames / s.

Sample photos (used kit lens Lumix G Vario 12-32 mm f3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS and the new Lumix G Vario 35-100 mm f4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS)

When testing the camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 excellent results – focusing is very fast and accurate, can take photos on the fly. Suffice it to point the camera at the subject and press the trigger, 90% can expect to get a clear image. Images obtained with natural colors, clear and sharp. There was little desire anything “twist” in the editor.

When photographing in the dark with the lens being part of observed some problems with a focus on low-contrast objects. In terms of noise, ISO range up to 3200 this camera is quite a work, the noise does not spoil the picture and do not destroy the image details.

When testing it seemed to us that in the dark Lumix DMC-GM5 works best with a new lens Lumix G Vario 35-100 mm f4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS. On it will be discussed in a separate review.

Autofocus

Like other camera, GM5 equipped with contrast AF system. Focusing module has 23 points and is quite standard for system devices Panasonic. The advantages of this module should include high speed and excellent accuracy. High speed Focusing helps frequency signal exchanges between the lens and the camera reaches 240 Hz. The camera can focus in good lighting conditions of deficiency (up to -4 EV). Available opportunity to highlight the contours (focus peaking) and feature-servo AF.

Viewfinder

One of the key features of the new items – is the presence of the electronic viewfinder. To this innovation by not injured dimensions camera Panasonic engineers decided to abandon the built-in flash. There is only available complete flash with a guide number 7, which is connected via a standard “hot shoe.” With regard to the viewfinder, its resolution is 1,166 million pixels. Viewfinder provides 100 percent frame coverage. He placed the upper left corner of the rear panel.

Below is a touch screen that is slightly different from that used in the model GM1. For the same three-inch diagonal its resolution is a little less – 921 thousand to 1 040 000 points at the screen GM1. However, the quality of the display in the loss of resolution is not affected – he has an excellent brightness and color reproduction. Besides, the camera still sharpened GM5 that photographer will often be used for viewfinder viewing it. Touch screen mode allows you to use Live View, set the focus point at the touch of a finger to display the histogram and the visual horizon.

batteryPoyavlenie viewfinder is certainly a plus, but it should be noted that the battery remained the same as that of GM1. She’s not the most powerful (680 mAh), and the use of the electronic viewfinder, which consumes even more energy than the touch screen, leads to the fact that the battery is only enough for 200 – 210 shots.

It is worth noting that the viewfinder Lumix DMC-GM5 present peculiar feature of many electronic viewfinder mirrorless cameras – after the shutter viewfinder image disappears for a split second.

Shooting Modes

Panasonic has offered users a number of standard automatic modes and a set of scene modes simplify shooting. Out of interest – to create panoramas, the regime HDR, multiple exposure, flip animation when the camera makes a certain number of frames, and then glues them from the video. Also noteworthy mode Creative Control, which provides access to 22 filters to add photo images of high artistic expression. The manufacturer offers the original function Time, by means of which the frame can be exposed for a long time (up to 120 seconds).

Lumix DMC-GM5 – ports

In terms of video can be noted quite noticeable improvements. The camera can shoot video GM1 Full HD / 60 to / from only interlaced. The novelty is able to conduct a video with a resolution of up to 1920×1080 pixels 50p / 60p progressive scan. Also available options 60i, 50i, 25p or 24p. Video is recorded with stereo sound, but individual output for the microphone is not provided. There was a function Snap Movie. With it you can create very short video clips of 2 – 8 seconds to get a kind of “moving” picture. Then you can combine them into a film to accompany the music or bright effects.

Test video

The camera is equipped with a module Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n, coupled with support for NFC. The camera can synchronize with your tablet or smartphone, instantly spreading pictures in the network or in terms smartphone as a remote control.

So, the new Lumix DMC-GM5 is a further development of GM1, which once attracted attention as the most petite camera standard Micro Four Thirds. Panasonic engineers managed to make GM5 same compact and lightweight as Lumix DMC-GM1, despite the emergence of the electronic viewfinder and a “hot shoe.” The advantages of the new items can also include high image quality, stylish design, a lot of interesting features and shooting modes. Lumix DMC-GM5 interest those who want a high-class miniature camera on each day, as well as tourists and travelers to take pictures without attracting undue attention, and receive high-quality images. Minus the camera, perhaps, only one is weak battery that pretty quickly consumed.

Test new miniature camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5