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Panasonic’s first GF-series mirrorless large-sensor digital camera, the DMC-GF1, got a warm reception from enthusiasts that loved its lightweight body, intuitive controls and menu layout, and lack of bulky reflex mirror.
The next updates, in the GF2 and GF3 with battery such as panasonic CGA-DU31 Battery, panasonic VW-VBD310 Battery, panasonic CGR-D54 Battery, panasonic CGA-DU07 Battery, panasonic CGR-S602 Battery, panasonic CGA-S101E Battery, panasonic CGR-S101A Battery, panasonic CGA-S001E Battery, panasonic DMW-BM7 Battery, panasonic CGA-S003E battery, panasonic CGA-S004E battery, panasonic CGA-S005E battery, cut down the camera’s size considerably, albeit by sacrificing simple dial-and-button controls. The latest model, the LUMIX DMC-GF5, is a further evolution of the GF3, with a super-basic control scheme, a reasonably easy-to-understand touchscreen, and a further-streamlined body.
The LUMIX GF5 follows the flat-body, small-grip ethos of previous cameras in its family. With no lens attached, it measures only 37mm thick, and is 180mm wide and 67mm tall. A small amount of that height comes from a small hump above the lens mount that hides a pop-up flash.
Physical controls aren’t entirely missing, with the two main control faces — top right and back right — each sporting four combi-buttons. The top face has a power switch, two-stage shutter, direct movie recording, and Intelligent Auto toggle. From top to bottom on the back of the camera, buttons for playback, display/info adjustment, the main five-way jog-and-press dial-pad, and a multi-function menu/trash/customisable key are stacked in a memorable layout.
The 3-inch, 921k-dot screen on the back of the GF5 is touch-sensitive. Tap it while the camera is in shooting mode, and you’re presented with some options that aren’t already represented by the physical buttons. In most shooting modes, the touchscreen has quick access to two extra customisable buttons, zoom control (with a power-zoom lens), and touch shutter. If you’re in a situation where you can’t press the shutter button, the touch shutter mode does come in handy.
The build quality of the GF5 is excellent, especially considering its reasonably light (267g with battery) weight. The front grip has enough purchase for two fingers, although the rear thumb-grip is slightly less reassuring.
The DMC-GF5 ships in a single lens configuration, bundled with the 14-42mm X series f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, and a twin lens kit that adds a 40-150mm telephoto, non-power-zoom lens. Both lenses use Panasonic’s Power O.I.S image stabilisation system to reduce blur from shaky hands.
One important thing to note is that there’s no way to attach accessories, like an external flash, external microphone, or electronic viewfinder, to the GF5. This is a definite step back from previous GF-series cameras, and one that’s been made to reduce bulk, but it does mean the camera is less versatile.
The LUMIX DMC-GF5 has a good sensor, an incredibly compact body, and some impressive hardware. It’s slightly interfered with by a mediocre interface, but if you’re the kind of photographer that prefers to point and snap rather than mucking with settings and composing your work, this is not a great concern.