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A Review Of The Panasonic GH5 Micro Four Thirds Camera
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- čas přidán 18. 05. 2017
- This is a review of the Panasonic's flagship GH5 as a stills camera. The GH5 is often seen as primarily a video camera. It isn't. Regarded purely as a stills camera it stands with the very best that the Micro Four Thirds system has to offer. What is unique is that you can say that about its video too. Hybrid usually entails compromise. Not so the GH5's case.
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See my M43 blog at m43blog.dthorpe.net/
When I see a review by David Thorpe , I drop everything and watch it. well-done as always . thanks
Me too
me too !
Same.
Pants too?
2nd3rd1st yes mate pants too
Finally a proper gh5 review with the intent of using it for stills!
Yes, I thought a stills perspective would be useful.
I've been making my living with GH cameras since the GH3 and I'm proudly sponsored by Panasonic. I can say this is THE review that is badly needed. Thanks for talking about the still capabilities of the GH5 David.
That's nice of you to say so, Giulio. I've had all the GHs from the GH2, the camera that got me fully into Micro Four Thirds. They've always been just as good stills cameras and a match for any other make but the video, going so far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect has always grabbed the headlines.
I agree. I've seen literally hundreds of videos about 4K video recording, LUT's and shoulder rigs for the GH5 but I'm just a guy who needs a camera to take pictures at the zoo yet also wants to film his friends' wedding and school plays with the same camera.
Great job! Love your channel. Your experience really comes through with your down to earth look with witty commentary. Thanks for all your work.
What a wonderful day and age we live in! We just keep getting showered with incredibly capable systems that do both still and video. Olympus, Fuji, Panasonic, and Sony. It's great to have so many options! Well done, David.
Thanks Jake! I always say to anyone who asks about today's cameras that while at a given price point there may be a best one for you personally, no choice you make will be a bad one.
Your reviews are as always a pleasure . Very grounded. Thanks
outstanding review...one of the best.....it's one of a very small number of reviews i didn't want to end. thank you do much David
Thanks for that, Charlie!
Fantastic review David. I purchased mine for photography with a few videos thrown in now and again, it's fantastic.
Eeek I've been waiting for this, love your videos. I've just got a gh5 myself it's so lovely. I've yet to give it a proper go for stills yet but I'm excited to do so!
Just bought a GH5 on ebay with a cage and 3 batteries for 700$, went straight to youtube to hear David's voice talking about my new purchase :)
Rest in peace dear friend
Good job David, as usual ! Another great video, thank you for your work.
I always wait for your reviews. This review as always is top notch. I wanted someone to do a still review on the GH 5. Great work as always.
Thanks Juan. I like to do some video but stills will always be 99% of my interest.
Probably the most direct, to the point, entertaining & informative camera review! Great Job David!
Thanks Albert. The videos take a while to make but knowing they are appreciated is very pleasing.
THE MOST TRUSTED AND WELL VERSED M4/3rd CAMERA REVIEWER ON CZcams - PERIOD!
What can I say? Except - thanks!
Your reviews are always balanced, informative and intelligent. You nailed it again on the GH5. I really appreciated the emphasis on still photography since most of the CZcams reviews of the GH5 have been for its amazing video capabilities. Thank you for your insights.
Thank you, Glenn. In all of the GHs since the 3, the video performance has tended to overshadow the stills. Ideas get fixed in people's minds so the GHs become video cameras that happen to do stills. It is not and never was true. I enjoy doing some video but for me the GHs are stills cameras that do video!
Whilst sadly, the GH5 is way out of my price league, it certainly doesn't stop me from being delighted at the arrival of a new review of your's David. At the risk of repeating thoughts from others, your usual top class, unassuming, and on point review (with a usual dash of humour) is a very welcome addition to my day!!
I'd love to reply to everyone but unfortunately but unfortunately my computer is in the other room and my head won't go through the door any more :-)
A review I have been waiting for, thanx, great job!
I look forward to new M43 gear just so I can see your reviews. As always, another great review!
A review for grown-ups. Well done, David.
Great review as always, David. Its also refreshing to see a review on a camera like the GH5 from a stills perspective and not just video as it appears to be just as well equipped in that area as the Olympus E-M1 Mk II is.
Yes, it's remarkable how similar in performance the two cameras are. I suppose that's what happens when computers and hi tech are a big part of the process. I'm glad they are different in size and feel. It'd be awful if they became too similar.
Yes, I think the GH5 might be a bit too big though for my liking and general use as the E-M1 Mark II would be better in that regard for my needs. Still if someone passed one onto me I wouldn't turn it down. :)
We need more reviews of the GH series of cameras on CZcams. More videos like these. Great review, Mr. Thorpe.
Thanks!
" system of choice for beer drinkers" hahaha
Love your work
Fantastic review David. Very interesting to hear your comments and see the results of using AF-C with Olympus lenses. Thanks. Simon.
Without the DfD to aid it, the GH5 must pack quite some computing power and the Olympus lenses quite some motor power to move so fast. Thanks, Simon!
I just stumbled on your videos and love your reviews! Great humour!
Thanks Brett. Photography is a wonderful thing and it's nice to laugh at the same time. Thanks so much!
Superb review, finally someone paying attention to the stills side of things as well!
Thanks Joseph. Because it is so video capable, the GH5 gets viewed as a video camera. But it isn't, it really is a hybrid as capable with stills as it is with movie. Possible my biggest liking for it is that it is so very usable - that My Menu system is brilliant.
Finally! A review not only based on video specs and things I'm not interessted in. Thanks. This video was the answer to lot of my questions.
I'm happy to hear that. The GH5 is for me the best Micro Four Thirds camera so far but its video ability often overshadows its stills. It is just as capable a stills camera as its Olympus rival but just gets overlooked in the torrent of video people's excitement.
Fantastic review, David!
You may remember I PMed you a few months ago when I was contemplating the G85 or FZ300. Needless to say I still have not bought either! To my advantage circumstances have delayed my investment and I am glad they have with the emergence of the GH5! P.S. love the way you add in dry humor "tea-totaller" etc! Again your no messing, uncluttered delivery is always so refreshing to watch and listen to. Lovely images. Cheers!
Thanks Henry!
Thank You ! It is always a very big pleaser to see your reviews. There are really the best ! Thank You David for all the years.
PS : For me too supernova1976 "When I see a review by David Thorpe, I drop everything and watch it."
Been waiting! Exactly!! Always enjoy your reviews TY David :)
Thanks Richard!
Oh God Finally! You're the man everyone trusts... Thanks for the Review David. I just hope you upload more stuff regularly.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply. It is a rather difficult, but nice, issue.
I walays wait to see your reviews, so thanks for the reviewing the GH5! I have a GH5 and have been using it for a month and I am quite impressed by it the more I use it and get better at doing so. I used to have a GH4, and I got a GH5 I primarily for shooting videos, but since I got more serious about photography this year, I have been far from disappointed on that end and have been using it to take photos of ancient monuments and old buildings for a project I am working on and it has worked well so far, especially producing less noise in shadows over the GH4.
It has been great for shooting macro with my Olympus 60mm, although I do wish there was slightly longer MFT macro lenses other than 30, 45 and 60mm, like 75 to 100mm, especially for subjects like butterflies, bees, dragonflies etc... which can fly away when you get close to them. I could adapt my Sigma 105mm EX DG macro, but as its a full frame lens, the size and weight don't make me want to as its quite a bit bigger and heavier than the Olympus lens.
I like how the colours are improved over the GH4. I noticed that on the GH4, it had a sort of red cast to the colours, but the GH5 doesn't. The only slight issue I have with the colours is that Caucasian skin tones don't look the best to my eye. I have taken a few photos of myself both with the GH5 and GH4, and although the GH5 results looked a little better, it always had small areas of my face appearing yellowish which didn't look quite right which is what the GH4 did. On the V-Log L profile on the GH5, it was quite a bit more accurate on skin tones (I think a Panasonic rep said that V-Log L uses close to Rec 2100 colours), but that isn't for shooting photos with though.
I quite like how fast the camera focuses when taking photos, and as you said, using Olympus lenses I I didn't see much difference when using my Olympus 60mm Macro than I did with Panasonic lenses, except that Panasonic lenses are a little faster at focusing initially as you also said.
Other than the auto focus not working the best in video mode (I don't mid as I usually set focus with the camera and then manually adjust in most situations and I think Panasonic may give us a firmware update in the future to improve that), I am overall quite pleased and it seems the GH5 has given me everything I was wanting that I didn't have in the GH4 like IBIS, 20MP, better colours, no AA filter, Focus Transitions, less noise, especially in shadows to name a few things. The only thing I was hoping for with the GH5 was improved dynamic range, which it doesn't really have except having cleaner shadows which is still a big plus over the GH4s noisy shadows.
The extra weight and size compared to the GH4 did bother me initially, but now that I have used it for a month, I don't mind but I do now have to get a bigger camera bag to carry it, plus all my lenses in since they won't all fit into my current bags. Still as you said, the size of the GH5 is still offset by the small lenses.
Since I also take wildlife photos, I quite like sometimes using 6K photo for it and extracting stills, especially for subjects like moving birds, but I did notice that when using 6K, when you are recording, the exposure meter stays on 0 and you can see your exposure, other than using zebras to see over exposed areas, which wasn't so useful as I would have liked to have kn own what exposure I was at.
I currently have the original Panasonic 12-35mm and 20mm f/1.7 II and I am thinking now of getting the Olympus 12-40 for wide angle genral purpose shots. I know it doesn't have IS, but I read that it has better corner sharpness than the 12-35, which I want since I like the 12-35mm and will keep using it, but on wide shots, the softer edges are sometimes noticeable, especially shooting video and want better overall sharpness.
Interesting and informative comment - thanks! It's always a relief to find that someone has made similar findings over things like focusing. I started out with the 105mm f/2.8 Sigma and good as it was, I found it heavy and a little inconvenient to use which is why I bought the 60mm. For some reason lens makers apart from Olympus seem to concentrate on short focal length macro lens, whereas what is now needed is a lounge rone, 100mm.
On the standard zoom, yes I agree there too. The Olympus has better edge performance at wide apertures and actually with the GH5's Olympus grade stabilization, the dual system is icing on the cake more than a necessity.
That's for your fast response and your experienced insight!
After a lot of thinking and indecisiveness I finally bought the GH5 with the 12-35mm. 10 days into it and I am learning a lot of what this thing can do. Read the manual about 3 times and followed along using the functions/features just seeing what everything does and how to do it, about 7 pages of notes, hours and hours taking test photos/videos...and searching the menus for that elusive function or why another menu function is greyed out. Recently as a passenger in my friends truck driving down this really bumpy road, I took a 2 minute video of her and I talking... I was blown away at how steady (and clear) the video turned out. That made me smile, taking some slo-mo videos and watching them had me laughing. The Ext Tele Conv feature is very nice too as are the Cust C and Fn buttons. I'm glad I waited, thought it through and bought this combo. Really happy with it and looking forward to having fun and creating great photos and telling video stories.
Brilliant, isn' it? If you haven't yet, try the I.S.Lock(Video) on the Stabilizer menu. Best with lenses 45mm or less - I call it a virtual tripod. It was added in the V2 firmware.
Yet again a well balanced review. I've moved away from Canon IDX/5D cameras to MFT's and I have not regretted the move to the GH4/GH5 system. Your review captures the salient points in an unbiased and practical manner. Having the quality of the GH5 in a lightweight package at a third of the price and weight of Canon and Nikon systems has given me so much more flexibility. The Panasonic/Leica lenses are very impressive and I do not regret my decision to move from full frame to MFT's. Thank you David for your excellent review.
Thank you, William, it's nice to know it is appreciated. I gave up my DSLR in favour of Micro Four Thirds several years ago and I've found no reason to regret it since.
Very well done, Thank you for this David
Thanks, Dennis.
Always the best reviews on CZcams...
I'm happy to hear you say that - tanks Alvin!
So nice to have a no frills, well grounded review, thanks David!!
It's nice to hear that because you have put your finger on exactly what I try to achieve - thanks!
David Thorpe keep on with the good work for us photographers to enjoy, since I have enjoyed your reviews several times, cheers!!
Cherrs, Eduardo!
You have the best reviews David. I'm trying to hold off on buying this until the price drops. You make it VERY hard.
Thanks Conrad - just think of the wait as a form of self-discipline. The longer you wait, the better a person you are, like a sort of photographic dieting :-)
I had a choice, to see David's review or to be late for a meeting with friends.. My friends waited patiently.
:-)
Phenomenal review. Thank you
Thanks, Nathaniel!
Most gh5 videos focus on video, this review was awesome for highlighting the stills features. Most people are looking for a camera that can do both video and stills so they can buy one camera. Thanks for the video
Yes, that's my thought too - glad you liked the video.
Actually u r the micro four thirds authority for specialists dedicated to only comparing models that use that mount/sensor. Cheers.
the only review that matters
Thanks to everyone for the appreciation! :-)
Yup!
Nice work from you with the review on gh5
Thank you, Awal!
Another thorough and highly enjoyable review. It's so refreshing to have an experienced photographer cut to the chase and highlight the things that matter to someone taking photos. So many reviews are nothing more than specification bingo. Thanks David!
Thank you for sharing, This is an excellent review, very informative.
Glad you found it useful, thanks.
Hi David, great videos! I found your channel recently and am really enjoying them. I recently bought the GH5 and the video is amazing...but stills...oh man the stills. I see the photos you took with the GH5 and it gives me hope...but all I can get is noise. Maybe I'm too picky having come from the D750. Any tips?
THANK YOU David for a review from a stills perspective. I have been checking for your review every day. I must say I agree on size, I like the G80 over the GH5 as an everyday camera. One of the advantages of Micro four thirds is that we can pick and choose a body and lens combination to fit our circumstances. One day a pocketable GM5 the next the GH5 for sports
Yes, that's exactly it, Mark, I agree. The first thing that attracted me to Micro Four Thirds was that I could have a big camera or a small camera but they used the same lenses and all gave similar image quality.
Another superb review. Thank you so much.
Thanks, David.
Wonderful review! On the issue of size (and weight), may I offer another perspective. For the last several years, I have lugged a Nikon D7000 and a Canon HF G30 camcorder, as well as, supporting accessories around the world for my travel stills/videos. I look forward to the day when I can just bring a GH5 and perhaps one zoom with me on my journeys. I am very encouraged by your review! Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words. You make a good point. I have become so used to Micro Four Thirds cameras that I take their compactness for granted. The GH5 is big by Micro Four Thirds standards but given that it can replace the gear you mention for you, by comparison it's a compact. It's good to get a perspective sometimes!
super nice video as always -
If you say so :-) Thanks, much appreciated.
BIg thanks for detailed review, I may be upgrading from G80 and I have learned a lot!
There's no downside to the GH5 compared to the G80 other than the size and price. The G80 with My Menu and the joystick would be fantastic.
I like the improved colours which are very close to Olympus. And the DFD2 is well polished it seems. I hope we will see it in the GX9. I still miss a pro oriented stills camera in Panny lineup. The GX8 isnt there yet. Thanks for another good review, Dave.
Glad you liked it, thanks! I think that Panasonic are probably taking the view that increasingly stills photographers are shooting video as well. Certainly if I were a daily working professional in the media still, I'd be gaining video expertise as fast as possible. In which case, the GH5 would be a strong professional contender. The GX9 will be interesting - I wonder how much of the GH5's spec the marketing guys will allow it to have.
This is a very good review. I now have two GH5s. After owning GH3 and GH4s I was surprised with how impressed I was. This is a very flexible and capable camera. I expect this to be a very good long term investment.
I think you are right, Gerald. It is hard to see how the GH5 could be improved on as an all round capable stills and video camera. The only real option for improvement would be to go to a bigger sensor, though I'd question whether that would be an all round improvement. What you'd gain in IQ - and the GH5 has excellent IQ, anyway - you'd lose in portability, and flexibility. Which pretty well sums up why I came to Micro Four Thirds in the first place and you too, I would imagine.
thanks David for what has been missing on the GH5 reviews, a stills perspective. I think I will now purchase the GH5, with the Oly lens.
A lot of money but one heck of a lot of photographic performance for it!
Excellent review. I've been using the GH5 for video but now have a new appreciation for its ability to take stills.
Can't wait to watch a review of the 8-18mm Pana Leica lens due out next week.
How does it stack up to the other ultra wide m43 lenses? At nearly half the weight of the Olympus 7-14 2.8 Pro, I'm sure 1mm is a small trade off for the weight and extra length on the other side.
Thank you always for the thorough and well done m43 reviews from a stills perspective.
Thanks - I'll be interested to see the new wide zoom, though the 7-14 has served me well for a long time and it would take a lot to make me change it.
I was shocked to see your comment! I also love your channel, and watch it and Abroad in Japan quite a lot.
Thanks! I have just got hold of an 8-18 - not had much of a chance to use it seriously yet but it oozes quality and looks to be a real classic.
That was a great review. Thank you!
Good to hear that - thanks!
Once more, great stuff and accurate opinion. I am professional filmmaker/photographer. I have owned and shot with Nikon D750, Leica M, Olympus EM-1 MKII and the GH5. I agree with absolutely everything you said, the GH5 menus and usability are the best I've used. Cheers from Brazil and keep doing these. You and your British clarity + accent rock. Cheers from Brazil 🇧🇷
Cheers from London and thanks! Very pleasing with Panasonic that having got it so right with the GH3, they carried on through to the GH5 without spoiling it. Long may it continue.
Brilliant David. I'm only a video shooter, but I get so much out of your whole thought and presentation process. Thank you, so much.
That's nice to hear, William, thanks. My video expertise is limited to say the least so I alway make that clear. Thaty's my excuse, anyway!
Great review David. Bit too big for me, but if the gx9 (or whatever it will be called) inherits the GH5's still performance, you've demonstrated, I shall certainly be upgrading my gx80.
Thanks Sion - yes, I think the size will be a stumbling block for many Micro Four Thirds users. The GX9 seems to be what the stills people are waiting for - I just hope Panasonic's marketing people don't restrict it from borrowing too much from the GH5.
Great review, thanks!
Woody
thanks for the review. On point as always 😀
Thanks, Cosmin.
Excellent review. Well put in words.
RIP Rick Parfitt.
Yes, RIP Rick Parfitt. Glad you liked the review. Love your ID - very subtly funny :-)
Thank you. "Slowhand" with a lens cap on.
I got out my old 1ds mk 1 the other day, now that is a massive camera that is incredibly heavy without a lens, put a 70-200 on it and your back will be complaining. The image quality is still amazing though. These days I use the GH4 because it is very versatile and great quality but I am looking at the GH5 now. Great review.
Thanks! With my vidoes, stock photography, general work, product shots and all sorts I need a versatile camera too. I find the GH5 fills that spot just as the GH4 did. I think the upgrade is well worth it because Panasonic have managed to improve lots of things while spoiling nothing. And harking to what you say, if anyone thinks the GH5 is big, yes, take a look at a DSLR with 70-200mm. The IQ of a FF camera is always going to be better but I imagine you find the same as me - that the Micro Four Thirds cameras give _enough_ quality. That's the point.
Beautiful review David. Honestly surprised you didn't mention anything about the EVF. I havent touched my GH4 for many reasons since getting the GH5 and it's mostly due to falling in love with the viewfinder. And like the gh4 (I've tested both) it doesn't even get much past warm after filming 4k for 30+ minutes.
Thanks Chris! I do describe the EVF as superb in the review. It's unfortunately just not possible to go into detail about everything because the video gets too long. It's easier with the other cameras in Micro Four Thirds but the top range cameras introduce all the new and state of the art stuff - and these days there is a lot of it.
THE review I've been waiting for.
Thanks James!
Thank you David for another pleasant, insightful & honest review. Your review of the Pana GM5 was instrumental in my decision to buy that camera. I enjoy using it but am ready to upgrade to either the Oly Om1 mark ii or Pana GH5. I have no intentions of making money with my photography - just want the very best quality possible in as small a package as possible (hence my purchase of the GM5). I am currently shooting about 95% stills but expect video will climb to 20%-25% in the next year or 2. In your option which camera would you recommend - Oly or Pana? Thank you in advance.
The GH% is definitely the better video camera for specialist use, more options for enthusiasts or professionals. On the other hand, E-M1 Mkll has all the video options most need,. For stills, there is nothing in it in terms of IQ and although the Olympus has the PDAF, it is no different from the Panasonic with its DfD. The Olympus has the edge in high speed shooting and will do so shooting RAW which the Panasonic will not.
One deciding factor could be the size. The GH5 is considerably bigger. Another would be controllability. The GH5 has the super focusing joystick and a truly useful My Menu system . I'd be happy to use either camera and for me a decision between the two would come down to size and controllability. On size, Olympus, on controllability and ease of use, the GH5. Personally, I'd plump for the GH5, especially since it is a fair bit cheaper.
But, overall, both are subtly different, superb state of the art cameras. It might come down to writing the names on two sheets of paper, closing your eyes, shuffling the papers and and blindly sticking a pin in one of them!
Thanks for another nice video. Glad the GH5 works as a good stills camera, but I still hoping a new Gx9 comes out with joy stick, dual SD cards, 6K etc. As I really like the tilting EVF
I think a lot of photographers like the rangefinder design bodies and the GX9 seems eagerly anticipated. There'll be a limit to what Panasonic put in and on it for marketing reasons. I wonder when it'll appear?
David, another excellent presentation. There are none better. Not only technically good and informative, but enjoyable as well. Thank you.
A question. Looking at the review on my iPad with a Retina screen, it appeared the blue and green parts of the multi-colored ball you photographed with the GH-5 as a color comparison to the E-M1 MKII, showed banding. Was there banding or possibly a compression anomaly of posting the video on You Tube?
Thank you.
Dennis Mook
The Wandering Lensman
You have good observation, Dennis. It's my fault, the lines are on the ball itself and seem to show more at high ISOs and in certain lights. I just tried using the mechanical and electronic shutter but the results are identical. I can't find any sign of banding.
David, thank you for the clarification. Now, at least we know the sensor and lens resolves very fine detail!
Once again a great review Dave
No ego, no bias, no technobabble.
Just a straight forward and honest reflection
Testing the IBIS using natural tools like Beavertown, Magic Rock, and Cloudwater is a method that I subscribe to.
Looking forward to your next video
Thanks, Dave. I haven't tried any of those beers but I'm going to!
As always, everything we GASsers need to know :-)
Very well done again David - now for the Oly 12-100mm and Pana 8-18mm ??
Thanks John. As ever, it's hard to get hold of these lenses. Even ePz can't get them sometimes.
Great review David, I've been following you since I bought GX8. But I do video a lot with my GX8, do you think it's worth it if I upgrade to GH5? I only have 2 lenses, 12-35 f/2.8 and 25 f/1.7, you think I should invest in more lenses and lighting or body? Because I think my 4K footage from GX8 still great, but GH5 give 4K with no crop, it is so tempting. What do you think? Thanks again and sorry for my bad english.
Thanks, Aria! Nothing wrong with your English. I think I'd get another lens, maybe the 35-100 f/2.8 first. You seem pretty satisfied with the 4K results from your GX8 so a body upgrade could wait. Maybe the price of the GH5 will come down a bit too but the GX8 is a very, very good camera in the meantime.
David Thorpe thanks a lot David! I am thinking about getting that lens too. Well, thanks for your insight, I will keep my GX8 for now.
A quick question regarding the rear control wheel / hat. I had a quick look at a GH5 in a shop and when I pressed / rocked the rotating wheel in the 4 directions nothing selected. On the G85 I really like the layout of the 4 way switch with focus mode, ISO, WB & Fn3. Can you set this up the same on the GH5? I always forget what is assigned to what so I like the icons on the buttons as well.
In the shop where I tried the camera the rear wheel seemed to control what the joy stick did so a bit redundant. But I only had a quick play as they had real customers looking to buy it wanting a look as well.
hi Mark - the rotating wheel is by default just used for incrementing settings, navigating the menu etc. If you wish, it will act as Fn buttons, as on the G85, in this case Fns 17 to 20, with the same functions available as all the other Fn buttons. The joystick can be also be used as Fns 12-16 if you wish.
With the three dedicated buttons on top, that gives you 23 buttons, the Quick Menu and My Menu to customize the camera to your needs. I think I'd need a chip implanted in my brain to keep track of all those.
Greetings David! wonderful review as always. So many stuff. Wish I had a place to rent lenses and cameras here, it will be so much easier. How does the 40-150 olympus works on the GH5, especially the stabilization?
Thanks, Nuni! It works just great on the GH5 and I use it often. In AFC without the DfD or PDAF it can take a little longer to lock on to a moving subject but it stills locks on quickly and once it has it focus it hangs on to it much the same on either camera. The stabilization, I find no difference between the GH5 and Olympus E-M1 Mkll. There may be some if you could test bench it but it is so good on either make that the differences are insignificant under working conditions.
And that's what matters! I really don't need test charts. I need a trustworthy opinion, and it couldn't come from a better place than you sir! Thank you very much again. I'm really upgrading from my wonderful E-M1 (keeping it), and the gh5 seem's such a wonderful camera. I love love that handling. The size is not a big deal for me as I tend to carry 3,4 or 5 lenses and that's where it can make a difference. And that's where our m4/3 system shines!
I'll second that, Nuno.
Superb review, as all your videos. Panasonic should pay you, you just made me buy one =)
Btw David, what do you recommend, going for the Olympus Pro 12-40 / 40-150 or Panasonic New 12-35 / 35/100 ? I can get cheaper the olympus, but dual IS would be missed, what do you suggest?
The stabilization on the GH5 makes the dual stabilization a luxury - though I'd alway prefer to have it on the basis of the more the merrier. I'd probably choose the two Olympus lenses for the extra reach to 150mm and their all round quality feel and unsurpassed sharpness. However, the size of both these lenses means they are not the sort you would take out casually, in case you came across a picture.
For casual as well as serious use and travel I'd go for the two Panasonics, smaller, lighter and they'll use the DfD focus system too. It's hard to choose - but overall, the two Olympus modes because they cover, in just two lenses, the whole of the focal range I'd normally use plus the 4--150 will take the 1.4x extender - well worth having.
Thanks for this reply. I think I'll start off with the 2 Panasonics (assuming I end up with the GH5) and see where that leads me. IF I end up with the Olympus, then Oly lenses for sure.
love to see review of G9 especially compare to GH5 or Oly EM1 mark2. I have both. Only thing I don't like G9 is the shutter is TOOO sensitive. I switch and is using back button to focus but the shutter becomes even more sensitive. I have to keep trigger finger clearly away from the shutter.
I'm just finishing the rview now - in there is a reference to the shutter!
"Bird flying towards!!!" - brilliant! My head almost fell off the MFT mount on my body.
😃
Fantastic review (as always!) Do you have any plans on checking out the GX850? :-)
Thanks! I don't have any plans but If I can get hold of one, I will.
Hi David, I guess you are working hard on the Lumix G9. I'm waiting for your superb review.
Th anks Jorge!I have a G9 on order and looking forward to reviewing it. I have no contact with or help from Panasonic whatsoever so I have to buy these things! From the specs, it looks like Panasonic have been reading my letters, the G9 has the My Menu and focus joystick plus in camera charging and external power from the USB C port. Having said that, they can't have been reading my letters because they don't even read my emails :-)
your voice is almost ASMR-level relaxing
I just looked that up - what a great thought, thanks Ben.
Hi David, I have noticed that the video quality on my phone was really good. Could you please tell me, if possible, what camera setup did you use to film this episode.
Thanks
The phone video is ridiculously good nowadays, isn't it? The Micro Four Thirds cameras are still a lot better, though, I'm glad to say. The bulk of this video is done on a GX8 or G80/85 with Olympus 60mm macro lens and on a tripod. I pick up either body depending on which is to hand. I use them on mains power and have the WiFi on to send each pic to my computer as it is taken. A lot of the stuff is stills but I like to use 4K video to allow me to zoom and pan in post processing, plus I like to use Panasonic's focus transition facility.
Hi David,
Fantastic review. I'm looking to upgrade my GH4 to either the GH5 or E-M1 Mk ii. I am only interested in the stills side of things, perhaps the odd quick bit of video. As you have now reviewed both cameras given the choice which would you spend your hard earned money on and why? I've just ordered the Olympus 40-150 pro with tele converter to get more pictures of my kids playing their sports. I presume this works equally well on both but wondering about handling. All the best..
The 40-150 Pro feels great and handles well on either. Actually, it does so on any camera...! I honestly can't make a choice between these two cameras for stills. In terms of performance there is nothing in it unless one or the other has something specific someone wanted.
The Olympus is a much better size, more Micro Four Thirds, and feels just beautiful and solid in the hands, fits like a glove. The GH5 has better placed and more versatile controls to my mind, especially the joystick and My Menu options.
I think the only way to choose would be to handle them both and decide on that. For some the GH5's size will be a problem, for others an advantage. Funny enough, I have them both here but for the pretty straightforward pictures that I do, I mostly pick up the G80.
Thanks again, David. My draw to the Olympus is when looking at pictures people have taken with some lenses like the Nocticron I've found that 9/10 times from the ones I liked, the E-M1 was used which gave me a bit of camera envy (poor GH4). Dare I say the Fuji jpegs are another level up still but selling all my m4/3 gear though possible would probably be a silly thing to do to go x-t2 route.As it is, in order to upgrade I have to sell my GH4, grip, 12-35, 35-100 and 45-200 to get the e-m1 with 12-40 and cover outlay for 40-150 pro(12-100 not sure about) or GH5 with lieca, leaving me with pl25/1.4, Nocticron and oly40-150Pro. Unfortunately, I can't handle the cameras as there are no shops where I live, so a gamble like when I bought the GH4. Phew, sorry to waffle :-)
Not waffling - or we both are! Colour wise the two cameras are pretty much the same now. With the lenses, the Olympus Pros work as well on the GH5 as the Olympus. For S-AF, probably faster but it is so fast that it becomes impossible to tell. I'm just using the 12-60mm. It's nice but I much prefer my Panasonic 14-140. Little difference in sharpness, the 12-60 is maybe a touch more contrasty. But mainly, the 14-140 is only half a stop slower at 14mm and around a stop at 60mm - but goes right on to 140mm. It's a tradeoff but it's a lot smaller and cheaper than the 12-60 f/2.8 too.
The Fujis seem nice but bigger lenses and not the armoury of them that Micro Four Thirds has. I don't know! Buying a GH5 and using your Panasonic lenses looks a viable option and those lenses f/2.8 are beautifully compact compared to the Olympus's.
Thank you for your prompt reply. Is my understanding correct that the DFD only works with Pana lenses? If so, have you noticed any degradation in performance when using Oly lenses on GH5. Actually in Canada the GH5 is $200 more than M1. Fortunately for me that is not a factor in my decision.
Strange about the price - I'm a simple soul and thought makers probably price at cost plus a profit margin. Obviously not - they get what they can. I use mainly Olympus lenses on my GH5. The only difference is that the initial lock on is a bit slower than with a Panasonic lens. In terms of AF-C, it is very similar with both cameras with the lens once it has locked on. The Panasonic matrix focusing system is better than Olympus's, much less likely to let focus slip to the background. Also, the Panasonic has a terrific array of focus area options and some customizable ones too. I have made one that is just perfect for fast moving cyclists. I think the Olympus's tracking focus, where you lock on to a subject and the camera follows that around the image area is better than Panasonic's
All in all, six of one half a dozen of the other. Difficult.
David: Wonderful review...Thank you! The GH5 is priced right at 42nd St Photo--$1798 so I'll place my order.
That's a hefty discount of over £300 off the UK price. It'll be a year or more before they come down to that priuce here, if they ever do, in fact. I'd grab that!
Oh well...I must apologize for my bad press. The GH5 I originally ordered was an international model--that's why the price was so attractive. I cancelled it today and paid $1945 for the USA model!
when people have been critical of autofocus with GH5 are they in face detect mode or does GH5 AFC in video mode focus automatically?? I only know how to focus with shutter 1/2 way down, touch screen, and face detect modes. Am I missing something that GH5 can some how autofocus an objective without me selecting an object?
Yes - if you set the camera to _225 Area_ it will select the focus point for itself, stills or video. It works really well in video now, after the firmware update. It does a similar thing over a more restricted area with the Custom Multi mode. It is surprisingly effective. The 225 and Custom Multi are great for stills use too.
Thank you for making this video about GH5 Stills! Do you think 10 megapixel photos on GH5s is a stepback and big difference in quality? 10 megapixel is lower than the GX7 photos!
No, it's not a step back because there is the GH5 if it is stills that you want. Or better, the G9. it just reflects the fact that the GH5s is intended as a video camera and the 10Mp means bigger and therefore more sensitive pixels, hence less noise. 10Mp is more than enough for even 4K video.
Probably the best review on the internet of the camera. The question for myself is which one the Olympus or the Panasonic?
I had heard the Olympus had better IBS but they seem very close.
Mostly I shoot wildlife ( birds , mammals ) and my omd 1 and 5 mark ll are lacking with tracking and the screen blackout is frustrating.
The stabilization, If I had to say one or the other I'd say the Olympus E-M1 Mkll was marginally better but if someone else found they were the same I wouldn't argue the toss. Either way, around 5 stops is plenty good enough with the combined lens stabilization being something of a luxury.
Choosing one or the other is very difficult. For anyone who has in the past used Olympus or Panasonic, I'd see no compelling reason to change brand. The Panasonic is cheaper and has better control over focusing and a better menu system. The Olympus is a much more Micro Four Thirds size and feels tailor made in the hand.
Because I review them I'm one of the few people who would have both. With an E-M5 MkII and a G80, I can say immediately that I prefer the G80 all round and provide reasons why. Between the GH5 and Olympus E-M1 Mkll, when I'm going out to take pictures, I can find no reason to take one more than the other. In the end I just pick up one or the other and get on with it. In your case, if you like the handling and feel of your present cameras, I'd get the E-M1 Mkll.
David Thorpe Thanks David. Always a source of knowledge and insights.
I have both GX8 and GH5. I am not sure if I asked this before, but my next lens will be 35-100mm range. I can get Dual IS with Lumix 35-100mm Mark2 or what I heard is sharper and of course more range Oly 40-150, but without Dual IS or any lens IS except for in body IS. I am a birder and was hoping to use this new lens for bird in flight. I have hard time BIF with 100-400. What would you choose between Oly 40-150 or Lumix 35-100 Mark2?
Hi Dan - first of all the stabilization. You can work on a rule of thumb that (for Micro Four Thirds cameras) says that if you quadruple the focal length, that's the shutter speed at which you cease to need stabilization. So, 100mm lens = 1/400th. stabilization is heavy on computing power, so turned off the camera has more resources to bring to bear on the focus and tracking. For BIF with the Olympus zoom at 150mm you'd need 1.600th - actually you need faster than that for BIF so stabilization is better turned off.
For more general work, I found the GX8's stabilization made use of the big zoom perfectly fine (I have pretty unsteady hands) and with the GH5 a cinch. Dual IS is good because more is better but _necessary_, I don't think so.
For BIF, I'd go for the 40-150mm every time, especially teamed with the 1.4x converter. While you don't have the Depth from Defocus of Panasonic lenses, I find it doesn't make much difference once the lens has locked on which it does quickly anyway.
The beauty of the Panasonic lens is really in its compactness. The Olympus is so much bigger and heavier (but only in Micro Four Thirds terms).
In a nutshell, for BIF, I'd go for the Olympus. Mind you, I even use the 40-150 for closeups of cameras and lens for my reviews. It's an incredible lens that can only exist in practical useable form for Micro Four Thirds cameras.
I love the GH5 feature arrangement for Custom Settings through a physical dial on the top, but can these be changed during filming?, or do I have to stop, then change the Custom setting & then start recording again? For example if I have 4K 60P set for C1 & 180 FPS on C2 could I move the selector during filming, to move from 4K to Slomo & then back again to 4K without damaging the camera? - I realise I’d have to “tidy it up” in the edit, or cover the transition with B Roll, but if the camera allows that, it would be incredible
Hi Peter - no you can't do that. The camera just stops recording. It doesn't damage it - though I doubt that it enjoys it :-)
Hey Ho : -( thanks anyway David - cheers
David for BIF do you prefer GH5 w/h 100-400 Pana Zoom or OMD EM1-ll with Oly 300/4?
Excellent review BTW
That's a hard one. For the camera bodies, it would really be either. The body stabilization on both is so good that the dual stabilization is redundant. Also, since you'd be using a high shutter speed, it is best turned off anyway. More power for the focusing!
The lenses, probably I'd prefer the 100-400 for the extra reach and flexibility. For out and out IQ and extra speed, the Olympus would be my choice but I'd need to know roughly under what conditions, distance etc I'd be shooting. I supoose what i'm saying is that at this level, give me any combination of these and I'd be more than happy.
Thanks David.
Merci pour cette excellente vidéo, David. Le GH5 n'a pas eu un début de carrière très facile sur CZcams. Jamais je n'avais vu autant de tests et de sarcasmes sur l'autofocus d'un appareil. Panasonic n'a pas manqué de sortir du bois pour conseiller l'utilisateur. Comme un Frankenstein moderne, le marketing semblait s'être retourné contre ses créateurs. Tout le monde attendait le GH5 sur ses capacités en vidéo, n'est-ce pas sa spécialité ? Et votre vidéo démontre avec acuité ce que Panasonic a fait :le GH5 est un excellent appareil photographique. Votre démarche me fait penser qu'il faut toujours revenir aux points fondamentaux.
Je suis d'accord, Francis. L'autofocus marche trés, trés bien dans le rȏle d'appareil photo numérique mais tous le monde parlent de video. Moi-même, je trouve que l'autofocus marche ok en video mais je ne suis pas spécialiste. Comme vous avez dit, peut-être Panasonic serait sage à parler plus d'appareil photo et moins de caméra video.
another good review 👍 torn as whether to move up from my G8 to the G9 or GH6 , don't do video particularly,so the G9 should be the way to go ,but prefer the twin top plate dials of the GH5 hmmm.but have seen other reviewers stating that still images from the GH5 are a bit soft but was comparing stills to ones from a Sony camera.(Tony Northrop). decisions decisions.
There are many reasons to choose Sony over Panasonic and vice versa but no modern camera produces soft images. In your situation I'd be inclined to the G9 or E-M1 Mark III (identical IQ) but personal preferences for control layout make all the difference to the enjoyment of using a camera. One thing is certain, at any given price point, in today's market there are no bad cameras!
@@DavidThorpeMFT thanks for the reply, his statement was that the GH5 images were markedly softer than the Sony and in his shown examples they most certainly did .lol.
@@lfcmarkeb7124 I can't speak for the photography of others. When I look at the boring pictures of some reviewers - if they actually take any, some just jabber on - I wonder they didn''t just use their phone and save a lot of effort 😆
@@DavidThorpeMFT 😂👍
I note from the captions that you have the new Pana 12-60mm f2.8-4. I'm presuming there is a review coming of this? Thanks
I'm putting it together now - end of the week or early next, I hope.
David Thorpe Sweet.
Nice review as always David.
On thing I have noticed about this camera on CZcams - Vloggers who have moved to it from bigger DSLR's seem to struggle with the autofocus in their recent content.
I don't go into video much, as you know but everything I tried worked as I would have expected. You can control video focus sensitivity and speed through the custom video AF setting in the menu which I haven't seen anyone mention. In general for video, I try to use manual focus but it isn't always possible. For someone coming from a different system they may not appreciate how sensitive and accurate the touch screen and joystick focusing are.
There was a big CZcams-video-dispute about settings and the possibility to improve AF-C between Max Yuryev and Photo Joseph a month ago. Finally they met, did a lot of testing, went pretty silent and called it a draw. In addition Panasonic came up with an announcement that most of the problems are related to user error, that it is best to just use 1-area AF and to press the shutter button halfway down if it is still not working as expected. Panasonic also pledged to further improve the AF quality. So translated from marketing language into normal-speak they sad they know that the AF-C in video is not working correctly and they will fix it.
Ulrich Bierwisch Continueius AF in video does not compare to the likes of canon (best in class for video C-AF) or Sony. My guess is that panasonic will add phase detection points in the next generation.
If it isn't practical to focus manually, I tend to use a small focus box and half press the shutter for the next best thing to manual focus. I really don't like leaving such an important thing as focus all to the camera.
Maybe - the trouble is that PDAF in mirrorless cameras is limited by the speed of the sensor readout. Just as Canon users must accept some disadvantages to their system, maybe Micro Four Thirds users will have to accept some on theirs. Even with the best C-AF that could ever be devised, the camera can only make an educated guess at where you want to focus.
Good to review it now that the G9 is on the horizon. I am wondering that GH5 is still a better camera for stills considering that now we can find a used one with reasonable price.
Thanks Waldemir! It looks to from the specs that any stills man would be better off waiting for the G9. On the other hand, you make a good point about the GH5 price dropping. The G9's USB C in body battery charging and external power and 20fps bursts are the main attractions over the GH5. If they aren't that important to you and it saved serious money, well worth doing. In every major respect the internals of the two cameras are the same and externally, quite minor differences.
David Thorpe - David, great insights. As a truth of matter, what it really bugs me with both cameras is their size. I currently I use a gx80/85. I am very pleased by the form factor and I have invested in glass (both native and adapted legacy lenses with the proper adapters). Therefore I am currently committed to the MFT ecosystem.
What makes me tick to move to the G9/GH5 would be the 20MP sensor and the EVF (that I really dislike in the GX80/GX85. What I would not wish to lose is the small size. I can keep my camera with a 20mm lens or the 9-18 Olympus in a small men’s bag. Something that I could not do with the big G’s. I used before the LX100. I barely had to readjust.
Anyway I keep glancing on the FUJI XPRO 2.
Everything in life is a compromise.
Yes, all compromise! The G9 appears to be sized between the GH5 and G80, so not so big but still very different from the GX80. The Olympus E-M10 Mk# is a small camera and should be baggable - might be worth a look of you can come to terms with the menu system.
Considering that I have some struggle with the Lumix menu system, I do not want to go into a deeper trouble with the Olympus. I am leaning towards keeping the GX80/85 and wait January for the G9. The price difference with the GH5 s really relevant, and I expect that the stills performance is the same or better than the GH5 in a smaller body.
I'd expect so, yes. The My Menu option on the GH5 (and G9) is more useful than it sounds at first glance. You can just put all the options you change in there and arrange them in any order you want. It's that and the joystick that are the standout options for me. And that LDC panel on the top looks to be super useful to me.
the gh5 resembles g80 a lot. I am wondering what would you recommend as an all arounder for someone who is not professional but rather enthusiast/semi pro. The g80 has so much specs that it is overflowing but I wonder if the iq and low light is so much better in gh5.
No, the low light capability and IQ is not very different between the two cameras. The 20Mp sensor does a remarkable job (as it does on the GX8 and Olympus E-M1 Mkll) of upping the pixel count without losing quality. But in day to day photography, I wouldn't choose the GH5 or any of the 20Mp on that basis.
The G80 is, in my mind, the best Micro Four Thirds there is at the moment in line with what the Micro Four Thirds standard represents, which is blending price, bulk and performance. The big guns are fabulous and well worth their money but unless you really want the specific advantages they have, mainly in optimized C-AF, they aren't necessary. Nice, though :-)
David Thorpe I see just like the 45mm the question is do you need the incremental speed and the bigger hole in your wallet. G80 seems to be the standard, it is nothing it can not do.
Dear David, Did you buy GH5 or are you using Oly EM-1 Mark2
Hi Dan - I have both here with me but find myself using the GH5 mostly, simply for its ease of use. Probably more to do with _My Menu_ and the focusing joystick on the GH5 than anything else!
I look forward to your review of the new Panasonic G9.
Thanks Dennis! I'm working on it now but it'll take a couple of weeks more - I need to get really familiar with it.
Oh yes, there are some new lenses that I am looking forward to you (hopefully !!) reviewing as well ? Namely the new Olympus 17,25 and 45mm F1.2 trio of pro lenses. Also the new beast of the Panasonic/Leica 200mm F2.8 pro lens.
Yes, I have put in a request to ePHOTOzine to see if they can help me out with any of those. I'm right at the bottom of the heap and Panasonic and Olympus won't even consider lending me anything.
Can you please tell me which camera to buy as as Photo Camera?
OMD EM 1 MKII or the GH5 ?
Which one will be the best as a Photo Camera Please help
I'm working on a comparison video now. The biggest single difference between the two is the size and the extra video capability of the GH5. The Olympus has the ability to shoot high frame rates in RAW which the Panasonic doesn't but the Panasonic has a great configurable menu system and a dedicated focusing joystick. In terms of C-AF there's nothing in it. If I were to make a choice, I'd handle both cameras and see whether I prefer the bigger Panasonic with its more spacious and easily learned controls or the much more compact Olympus. The Olympus is more of a camera camera, the Panasonic more of a tool. Both are satisfying to use and will do pretty much anything you ask of them. Sorry - if I sound uncertain, it is because I am. Put either one in my hands and I'm happy.
Thank you so much, David
I'm not much on video at all. I have a GoPro that I use every once in a while....lol
I am a food and drink product photographer with some portrait & group shots and a bit of street...
I have purchased the EM1 MKII and it arrived yesterday. I must say that it is a fantastic feeling camera in my hand and the new menu is a joy compared to my em5
Thank you for your reply and all your wonderful informative videos
You're welcome - for product photography the Olympus's tethering software is a real boon.