X

Panasonic Lumix GM5: out with the flash, in with the EVF (pictures)

The swapping of the flash for the EVF is the most substantive physical change between the GM5 and its predecessor.

LoriGruninNewHeadshot.jpg
LoriGruninNewHeadshot.jpg
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
panasonic-gm5-06.jpg
1 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

No change up front

Though Panasonic has made some changes to the design for the GM5, it looks identical from the front. However, it's now made of magnesium alloy.

panasonic-gm5-03.jpg
2 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Bye-bye flash, hello EVF

Panasonic jettisoned the flash of the GM1, moving it to an optional bundled flash that fits in the hot shoe. Instead, the GM5 gets a small but serviceable EVF.

panasonic-gm5-07.jpg
3 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Still small

Although it's a hair bigger than the GM1, it's still a pretty small camera.

panasonic-gm5-04.jpg
4 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

More on the back

Since the EVF forces extra space at the top -- the GM1's LCD went all the way up to the top -- Panasonic added some extra programmable controls and changed the back vertical dial to a horizonal one.

panasonic-gm5-09.jpg
5 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Snap Movie

Panasonic adds its version of the short-uploadable-movie feature; clips can be 2, 4, 6 or 8 seconds.

panasonic-gm5-05.jpg
6 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Few connections

It just has micro HDMI and USB connectors.

panasonic-gm5-08.jpg
7 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Media

The camera may be small, but Panasonic makes room for a full-size SD card slot. On the other hand, the small battery still doesn't last nearly long enough.

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos