Evolving from the very successful DMC-G3, the compact and smartly styled DMC-G5 builds on that model’s successes and adds extra functionality, higher shooting speed and touchscreen operation, together with an extremely high resolution viewfinder.

Fantastic Image Quality
The Improved Venus image processing engine for the G5 uses updated data handling technology for faster response and higher image definition. The imaging sensor is also custom made for the 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor so there is an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) algorithm splits the image into smooth and edge areas with greater noise reduction applied to smooth areas – a very useful and intelligent tool.

Ultra Fast
The DMC-G5 has its so-called Light Speed AF which uses a contrast autofocus system. This system has the benefit of greater accuracy with wider lens apertures and focusing is much faster than with DSLRs which use the slower Phase Difference AF system. Using the touch-screen you can even let your fingers choose the focus point anywhere in the field of view using Full-area Touch AF – for stills or videos.

It’s not just focusing that’s lightning fast either. You get up to 20 frames per second using silent “electronic shutter” technology (6fps at full 16.05 megapixel resolution with mechanical shutter). To complement this, the G5 is also UHS-I (Ultra High Speed I) memory card compatible, allowing extra-fast data transfer – even for RAW files.

Full HD Movies with Progressive mode
Record your movies in 1920x1080 Full HD 50p quality, in AVCHD format (MPEG-4 / H.264). The Progressive (50p) mode refreshes the entire image every 1/50 of a second rather than half of the lines as used in interlaced systems. This makes the HD movie mode excellent for action scenes. As regards focusing you still get full-time AF and Tracking AF while recording movies. Sound recording is in stereo using Dolby Digital Stereo Creator and there is a Wind Cut function to filter-out noise. There is even a dedicated movie recording button plus the ability to shoot stills during video recording and an option to record in PC-friendly MP4 format.

Viewing Options
The DMC-G5 has two very high quality viewing platforms. Firstly there’s a 1.4-million dot Electronic Viewfinder (LVF, or Live Viewfinder) with 100% Field of View and and auto eye sensor. Also there’s a 3.0” 920k-dot touchscreen LCD monitor. The LCD monitor can rotate through 180° to the side and 270° up-and-down. There’s 18% less imaging time lag compared with the G3 too. Touch Pad functionality also allows simultaneous use of LVF and LCD monitors. For advanced framing there is a Levelling Gauge which will flip images in portrait format upon playback too.

Additional Features

• 144-zone Metering
• RAW image recording
• Function Lever – customisable for zoom (on power zoom lenses) or exposure control in manual mode, playback zoom, and page flip in menus. This works well in combination with the turn-and-push function dial
• Creative Control filters now increased to 14 from a previous total of 6
• iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus Mode and Scene Guide for beginners
• HDR Mode – using several exposures at different exposure levels to create a richly detailed image in high contrast lighting
• Built-in GN10.5 (ISO 160) flash

• Sensor Size (WxH mm): 17.3 x 13.0mm
• Flash: Built in
• Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
• Battery Compatibility Fitting: Panasonic DMW-BLC12E
• Video Out: HDMI, PAL, NTSC
• Focusing Modes: One-shot AF, Continuous AF, Manual
• Metering Modes: Centre Weighted, Spot, Colour Matrix
• GPS: No
• Auto Exposure Bracketing: Yes
• Megapixel Banding: 16 to 16.9 Megapixels
• Weight (g): 396
• MegaPixel (Effective Resolution): 16.05 megapixels
• White Balance Modes: Auto, Manual, Preset, White Balance Bracketing, Custom
• Exposure Compensation: Yes
• Audio Recording: Yes
• Body Dimensions (WxHxD) mm: 119.9 x 83.3 x 70.8mm
• Connection Type: HDMI, USB 2.0
• Monitor Size: 3.0"
• Continuous Shooting Speed (fps): 20fps max
• Max Image Resolution: 4608 x 3456 pixels
• Max Consecutive Shots: 9 in RAW, up to card limit in JPEG
• ISO Speed Range: 160 - 12,800
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Lens Fitting: Micro Four Thirds
• Movie Mode: Yes (with Sound)
• Compatible storage media (card not supplied): SDXC, SD Card, SDHC Card