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Now reading: Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 versus GH5 II: Which is best for you? 59 comments

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 versus GH5 II: Which is best for you?

Comments (59)

Published Jun 4, 2021 | Richard Butler

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II is a refresh, rather than a complete reworking of the company's erstwhile video flagship. Since the launch of the original GH5, Panasonic has added full-frame video models and dedicated 'box' cameras and is now promising a GH6 model as a direct replacement. The GH5 II, then, updates the GH5 spec in order to ensure it remains an interesting and competitive option for stills/video shooters, rather than trying to raise the bar as previous GHs have done.

But where does that leave things if you've already got a GH5? And if you're looking for a new camera, is it worth trying to pick up a discounted GH5, rather than buying the refreshed version?

Gear in this story

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5

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85%

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II (Lumix DC-GH5M2)

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85%

Base, w/ 12-60mm	From $1,599.99	Shop now
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Body Only		$1,197.99	Shop now
With LUMIX 12-60mm Leica DG Lens		See price on Amazon.com

View Comments (59)

Comments

All (59)

Most popular (8)

Editors' picks (1)

DPR staff (1)

Oldest first

RobDunf

I have both models and I use both exclusively for documentary shoots. For simple interviews the face recognition in the mk2 is definitely an improvement over the mk1. Set the sensitivity to -3 and speed to 0, it doesn’t try to refocus from time to time.
Then there is the USBC power option, definitely a big plus.
I prefer the Q menu redesign over the mk1.
Thinking to replace the mk1 with another Mk2.
For my line of work, I don’t need the GH6, I think the IQ difference would be a PIA in post. I also like have dual SD slots for cloning in camera.
There are probably more features I prefer, but the above sells it for me.

Dec 1, 2022*permalink

Natalie007

I recently bought an S5 and wonder if the web streaming will be added via firmware as no full frame cameras yet have this and there are no new cameras on the horizon as far as I can tell

Jun 28, 2021permalink

Owlguy

Question should be, why upgrade when you got GH6 coming out which make the GH5 II a throw away option. If you are going to upgrade, why rush now when GH6 will be available. Upgrades are minor while GH6 promise to be far greater if all the stuff they been saying about it is true.

Jun 8, 2021permalink

KoolKool

When newer model release, older model is better cause of lower price.....

Jun 7, 2021permalink

john isaacs

The biggest upgrade is built-in log and 10-bit recording. If you already paid for log on your GH5, and you have an external recorder to get 10-bit recording, then the advantage is slight to replace your GH5 with a GH5II. But if you were planning to add another GH5, then the GH5II is a useful update.

Improved IBIS is nice, but not a big deal in my opinion. What would be a big deal is if the AF for video is significantly improved. Can it be?

The big negative is the change to the menu system. That would really impact the use of a GH5 II along with a GH5; trying to use different menu systems in a production environment is an extra challenge I would not want to add. I like having the same camera for multi-camera use as well as for backup.

Jun 6, 2021permalink

ralphthemagician

Have you used the new menu system? IMO, the menu systems that Panasonic use are the best, full stop. They have been for a long time, but they have also changed over time. The menu system between the GH4 and GH5 is different, but it is a mostly seamless transition. Most of the improvements Panasonic has made between the GH4, GH5 and S5 are the organization and grouping of subcategories, but it's very easy to switch between the two.

I actually prefer the GH4 menu system, but I think that's in part because it has less features so I can just scroll around faster.

Jun 7, 2021permalink

john isaacs

I don't like the Panasonic menu system. Too hard to find things.

Jun 7, 2021permalink

MarcB1969

I was thinking of getting a second GH5 for easier matching in post due to the slight variations between each Panasonic model. None of the new features make enough of a difference for an upgrade.

Jun 9, 2021permalink

Alexis D

The GH5 was released four and a half years ago. That's a very long time in technolody. The GH5 has the same sensor, the single most important component in an imaging system, OK, with some "enhancement", non-reflective coating, blah blah.

It's not uncommon for products that do not sell any more to get trivial updates to recover some , but it is at the expense of reputation and future sales. At this age and with this economic climate, not to mention the demise of Olympus, when most people already have a decent camera, I wonder if this is a good thing for Panasonic and for the future of M43 by providing something more exciting, more reassuring, and more interesting to move M43 on. Even by M43 standard, a sensor upgrade is due.

Jun 6, 2021*permalink

twostep

The GH6 is coming… so that area should also be covered.

Jun 6, 2021permalink

ralphthemagician

This was true 10 years ago, not today. The sensor really doesn’t matter anymore for most applications. They have all become so good that unless you are doing massive print or shooting in the dark it doesn’t matter for actual production. Most people couldn’t tell the difference between a 50MP sensor and a 12MP sensor. You think you can, until you see them side by side and you have to break out a magnifying glass to pixel peep, and you’ll probably guess wrong half the time.

There is a reason that the GH series is one of the best selling cameras, totally dominates YouTube, and is even used in large budget cinema productions—it’s highly flexible and “good enough” by any measure.

Jun 7, 2021permalink

kelpdiver

if you're shooting 4k, yeah, 18 (GH5 in 3:2) vs 50 doesn't matter. All you're adding is more oversampling.

If you shooting stills, esp when you don't have full control over the framing/distance, it's a big deal for larger prints. I have the GH4 and if I have to crop, I'm running out of pixels in a hurry.

Jun 7, 2021permalink

Toilet Roll

Tiny sensors like m43 need to be extinct. Horrible little things that make no sense

Jun 6, 2021permalink

George1958

Just because you say something does not make it correct or your predictions true.
You clearly do not enjoy M4/3 and your posts infract forum rules in persistently bashing a format.
You maybe feel that you are bringing something of value to the discussion. However it’s the same old that has all been said before .
You make yourself sound like a spiteful child sounds when trying to stick a pin in some one else’s balloon . It’s really boring and to be honest says more about you and your character than it does about M4/3 gear and users.

Jun 6, 2021*permalink

Mark9473

T.Roll, I want to commend you for one of the best chosen user names in the history of internet fora.

Jun 8, 2021permalink

Enriko11

This new gh5II have photo on"high-res" mode like the G9? or the G9 is only pana m4:3 with this function?

Jun 5, 2021permalink

Jon555

Good question!

Jun 7, 2021permalink

SmilerGrogan

When I saw the photo of the person holding the camera to their face my first thought was “how smart, he’s made a face harness to keep his camera ready at eye level!”
But then I figured out it was just a mask. Why is reality always so disappointing?

Jun 5, 2021permalink

Richard Butler

If nothing else, maybe you've just had your million dollar idea.

Jun 7, 2021permalink

Pete_W

Thanks, this is a helpful article. I’m currently using a G95 and was wondering whether a GH5 was worthwhile as a cheap upgrade. I think I’ll go for the GH5-II.

Jun 5, 2021permalink

Jon555

I'd look for special deals, perhaps at shows, for bundles with the 12-60 f/2.8-4...

Jun 7, 2021permalink

Pete_W

@Jon555 - yes, I will keep an eye out for specials, although I already have a bag full of lenses so will try to find a body-only deal.