Panasonic DMC-G5 16MP Mirrorless Review
The Panasonic G5 is a decade-old camera being sold for $420. Our review finds it's a terrible value with outdated performance that will frustrate beginners.
The 30-Second Version
Do not buy this camera for $420. It's a 12-year-old model being sold at an absurd price. You can get vastly better, newer used cameras for the same money.
Overview
Look, the Panasonic G5 is a decade-old camera being sold as 'renewed' for $420. That's the one thing you need to know. It's not a modern mirrorless camera; it's a time capsule from 2012. For that price, you're buying a piece of history, not a competitive tool. While it might technically turn on and take a picture, our data shows it's consistently in the bottom half of every performance category, and its build quality is in the 13th percentile. This isn't a hidden gem. It's a relic.
Performance
Honestly, nothing surprised us in a good way. The performance scores are exactly what you'd expect from a 2012 Micro Four Thirds sensor: mediocre. The autofocus lands in the 44th percentile, which means it's slower and less reliable than most cameras you can buy today. The video is 1080p at 30fps, which was fine back then but is now a basic smartphone feature. The sensor score is in the 30th percentile, so image quality, especially in low light, will be a real step down from even modern entry-level cameras.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes with a kit lens, so it's technically a complete starter package.
- The electronic viewfinder is present, which is better than some old DSLRs.
- It's lightweight at 395g, so it won't weigh you down.
Cons
- You are paying $420 for severely outdated technology. 10th
- No in-body stabilization, so shaky video and photos without a tripod or steady hands. 29th
- Build quality is in the bottom 13% of cameras we track, so it feels cheap. 30th
- The fixed LCD screen is a huge limitation for creative angles. 33th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | CMOS |
Video
| Max Resolution | 1080p |
Build
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
Value & Pricing
The value proposition is terrible. For $420, you could buy a brand new, modern smartphone that will take better photos and video in most situations, or you could find a much more capable used camera from the last five years. Paying this much for a renewed 2012 camera is not a smart purchase.
vs Competition
This isn't a fair fight against the listed competitors like the Nikon Z9 or Sony A7 IV—those are professional tools. A real comparison is against other budget options. For the same $420, you could look for a used Sony a6000 or a Canon M50. Both are years newer, have vastly better sensors and autofocus, and will actually help you learn photography instead of frustrating you with limitations.
| Spec | Panasonic DMC-G5 16MP Mirrorless | Sony Alpha Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-E FUJIFILM X-E5 Mirrorless Camera (Silver) | OM System OM OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with | Nikon Z Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera | Canon EOS R Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | ?MP | 26MP APS-C | 40.2MP APS-C | 21.8MP Four Thirds | 24.5MP Full Frame | 32.5MP APS-C |
| AF Points | - | 759 | 425 | 121 | 273 | 651 |
| Burst FPS | - | 11 | 13 | 30 | 14 | 30 |
| Video | 1080p | 4K @120fps | 8K @60fps | 4K @24fps | 4K | 4K @60fps |
| IBIS | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 395 | 408 | 397 | 371 | 635 | 544 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Evf | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic DMC-G5 16MP Mirrorless | 42.5 | 42.8 | 10.1 | 36.3 | 28.7 | 29.9 | 48.1 | 35.1 | 33.4 | 46.5 | 40.9 |
| Sony Alpha 6700 Compare | 98.1 | 89.3 | 93.5 | 79.7 | 97.4 | 86.9 | 98.3 | 95.5 | 96.1 | 98 | 90 |
| Fujifilm X-E 5 Compare | 96.6 | 91.2 | 73.9 | 82.4 | 99.7 | 92.3 | 95.5 | 86.9 | 90.4 | 95 | 98.9 |
| OM System OM 5 Mark II Compare | 92.1 | 94.3 | 93.2 | 92.1 | 59.2 | 70.9 | 95.5 | 95.5 | 90.4 | 92.4 | 98.6 |
| Nikon Z 6 II Compare | 94.5 | 97.5 | 97.6 | 83.6 | 82.6 | 96 | 48.1 | 86.9 | 96.1 | 95 | 90 |
| Canon EOS R 7 Compare | 97.6 | 96 | 58.1 | 92.1 | 89.9 | 90.3 | 48.1 | 95.5 | 96.1 | 95 | 90 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this a good camera for a beginner?
No. A beginner will be frustrated by the slow autofocus and poor low-light performance. It will make learning harder, not easier.
Q: Is the 'renewed' condition worth it?
The condition is irrelevant when the core technology is this outdated. A renewed 2012 camera is still a 2012 camera.
Q: Can I use it for streaming or video?
Technically yes, but poorly. The 1080p video is basic, there's no stabilization, and the autofocus will hunt. A modern webcam or phone will do a better job.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you're looking for a capable camera in 2024. If you want a real beginner mirrorless camera, go find a used Sony a6100 or Canon R50. If you just need a webcam, buy a dedicated webcam. This G5 isn't the right tool for any modern job.
Verdict
We cannot recommend buying the Panasonic G5 at this price. It's a disservice to beginners who might think they're getting a deal on a 'professional' camera. The technology is too old, the performance is too weak, and the price is too high for what you get. Save your money, do a little more research, and buy something from this decade.