The Most Premium Tiny Camera Ever Made! Lumix GM5 Review
This blog has been a long time coming. After an extensive search across Tokyo, visiting countless camera shops, I finally acquired a Lumix GM5. It was in the very last shop, on the top floor, that I found mine. You can checkout my accompanying YouTube video here: Dear Lumix... Just make THIS again!
P.s. you can have instant access to the Tokyo camera shopping vlog by joining my Mailing List Squad!
What is the Lumix GM5
The Lumix GM5 is arguably the most premium tiny camera ever made.
There. I said it!
It is almost as tiny as the World’s smallest Lumix GM1 (written review here). But, the Lumix GM5 boasts some additional features that are super sought after in a small everyday carry. The Lumix GM5 has:-
A back dial for a more traditional user experience
An EVF!! Eeek!
Touchscreen
A proper, fully working hotshoe (no flash though)
Magnesium alloy build quality with metal top dials
A mechanical shutter (up to 500th of a second)
Images with the GM5 edited with my Chasing Adventure Preset Pack
First Impressions of the GM5
Sometimes when you pick up a tiny camera, you’re very aware that you’re using a tiny camera. I mean, it’s quite a compromised experience. For example, the Lumix GM1 — as much as I love it! — forces you to use the back menu wheel (the “spinny wheel of doom” as I call it) to change your settings.
The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Lumix GM5 was how much it felt like a traditional camera. The on/off lever is even metal, and the back dial lets you change your settings quickly and easily on the go. No spinny wheel of doom in sight!
The second thing I notice was the quality. My previous standard had been the Pentax Q (written review) and of course the Lumix GM1. And I thought they were as good as it gets for tiny cameras… well. The Lumix GM5 is a step above and beyond in terms of materials, quality, and looks.
You can usually find the GM5 or other tiny cameras used on MPB UK, MPB US, MPB EU
A Tiny Camera Without Compromise
So I set off to the Faroe Islands, using my Lumix GM5 as my everyday carry camera, documenting the parts between photographing the wildlife. I got some cracking landscape shots with the GM5, if I do say so myself. Some of my favourite images from the trip.
I carried the camera with a Peak Design shoulder strap — the thinnest one they do, oof it’s pretty — and then the GM5 became a really lightweight sort of handbag. Super easy to throw on my shoulder when hiking around.
Just, keep it safe if it rains (it did a lot in the Faroe Islands!) as the Lumix GM5 is not weathersealed. I think it would be a perfect camera if it had weathersealing, on top of all its other benefits.
Images with the GM5 edited with my Chasing Adventure Preset Pack
Out and About with the GM5
Despite its lack of weather sealing, the GM5 proved to be a delightful companion, light to carry, and discreet. It’s worth noting that the GM5 doesn’t have in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), but I used stabilised lenses like the 12-160mm f2.8-4 for video clips and it was a great combo.
The video quality is nothing to write home about, to be honest. The Lumix GM5 is definitely a photo-centric camera.
The Joy of the Mechanical Shutter
I love a tactile photogarphy experience! And I have to say — camera nerd that I am — I’m a bit in love with the clack of the shutter in the Lumix GM5. Having a mechanical shutter is such a benefit. Lately, the Lumix S9 (written review) came under fire for opting for an entirely electronic shutter. And I get it. We use tiny cameras because it’s tactile and physical and FUN. The GM5 is definitely all of those things.
Practical Features
The GM5 comes with a full-sized SD card slot alongside a tiny battery, a feature I appreciate given that some other Lumix models only have a micro SD slot. Despite its slim battery, the GM5’s battery life is decent, especially when using the EVF and turning down the brightness of the touchscreen.
Aesthetic Appeal
I’ll be the first to admit that Lumix cameras aren’t usually known for their aesthetics, often looking pragmatic and similar. However, the GM5 is a delightful exception. It’s a stunning camera, even in black, which I typically find boring. The black-on-black design with a black prime lens looks incredibly premium and stylish.
In fact, I love this camera so much I’ve recently bought a second copy in red. I can’t decide which one I like more!
Tips for Buying Cameras from Japan
I bought this Lumix GM5 in Tokyo, and that meant it came with Japanese menus. With some cameras, it’s as easy as finding the language option and changing it to English, or whatever you prefer. Unfortunately, some cameras on the Japanese market are enforced Japanese.
Luckily, there’s a workaround, which I document in this blog post here. So if you find a bargain on the international market, don’t let the language barrier put you off!
Images with the GM5 edited with my Chasing Adventure Preset Pack
No Compromise Design
The reason this camera is special is because the Lumix GM5 was a flagship, back in the day. Released in November 2014, it was a high-end product at £899 (!) so there was just a higher level of attention to detail in this unique little camera.
As of 2024, unfortunately, the used market is drying up. It was a high-end camera to begin with, with fewer units selling than, say, the ubiqutouus GX800.
So, as a general buying guide, as of late 2024, I’d say if you can find one in great condition for £400 or under, you’re doing OK. My black GM5 from Tokyo was £360-ish? And the red one I recently bought from eBay was £380, in slightly worse condition.
Of course, things like this are always subject to change. If anything, I imagine the prices will begin to rise dramatically in the coming years as the supply dries up.l
My New Favourite Camera
I adore this camera. It has become my new favourite, even displacing my Lumix GX8 (except when it’s raining!). The GM5, even in its understated black colour, has stolen my heart. It’s perfect for street photography, travel, and capturing intimate, everyday moments. Dear Lumix, an updated version of the GM5 would be a dream come true.
In conclusion, the Lumix GM5 is a testament to premium, compact camera design. It’s a joy to use, offers a tactile experience, and looks stunning. If you have the chance to get one, don’t hesitate – it’s a little marvel that’s well worth the hunt.
Check out the used camera market here at MPB!