What is the greatest digital camera of all time? Many photographers have different answers. Some say Nikon D3, some say Canon 5D Mark II, others say Fujifilm or Sony. But for me, the winner is simple the Panasonic GM5.
In this Panasonic GM5 Review 2025, I want to share why this small camera still matters today.
A Camera That Feels Special
You can’t buy the Panasonic GM5 new anymore. It’s an old camera but still special for many people who love photography. If you want one, you have to buy it used.
Why I Love the GM5
I took my GM5 everywhere New York, Prague, Tokyo, Austin, Hawaii. It’s so small and light that you can carry it in your pocket or backpack. Even though it’s tiny, it still has interchangeable lenses.
This camera has:
- A 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
- Full manual control
- Good enough buttons and dials
- An EVF (electronic viewfinder), which the older GM1 did not have
I really need the EVF because it helps me shoot in bright sunlight.
Easy to Use and Fun
The GM5 is fun to use. It is not perfect the EVF is not very sharp and sometimes flickers. The back screen is also small and not very bright under sunlight. But for me, having the EVF is better than nothing.
The touchscreen helps with quick settings because the body is so small. Changing shutter speed and aperture is easy with the back dial. When I bought mine from a friend, the dial was broken, so I fixed it myself!
The battery is small, so I always carry extra batteries. There’s no built-in flash, but it does have a hot shoe to add an external flash.
How Good Are the Photos?
You may think old tech means bad photos but not with the GM5! The photos are beautiful. The colors are true, skin tones look natural, and the black & white mode looks amazing. Even at higher ISO like 1600 or 3200, the grain looks like classic film.
This camera is great for:
- Travel photography
- Street photography
- Capturing memories
But I would not use it for wildlife or long zoom shots it’s too small and does not have strong autofocus for that.
Many Lenses to Choose From
One thing I love is the huge choice of Micro Four Thirds lenses. You can use Panasonic, Olympus, OM System, or third-party lenses.
I started with the 12-32mm kit lens, which is tiny and good for close-ups too. Now I mostly use prime lenses like:
- Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 for portraits
- Leica 12mm f/1.4 for wide shots and low light
These lenses make the image quality even better.
Does It Have Problems?
Yes! The shutter is half electronic, half mechanical, so you won’t get shutter shock. But the mechanical part only goes up to 1/500s. After that, it’s electronic.
The camera does not have IBIS (in-body stabilization). But many Panasonic lenses have built-in stabilization which helps a lot.
The video quality is only 1080p, not good compared to today’s 4K cameras but the GM5 is mainly for photos, not video.
Why We Need Cameras Like This Today
Nowadays, everyone wants compact cameras again. People love small point-and-shoots with full control. I wish Panasonic or OM System would make a new version of the GM5 same size, same simple feel, but with a modern sensor, better EVF, and better battery.
People want pocket cameras with interchangeable lenses not just smartphones or huge DSLRs. I think it’s the right time to bring something like the GM5 back!
Final Thoughts
So, is the Panasonic GM5 the world’s best digital camera? Maybe not for everyone but for me, it’s my favorite camera ever. I hope more brands see that photographers love small, simple cameras that let them enjoy shooting anywhere.
I’d love to hear what you think what’s your favorite digital camera of all time? Tell me in the comments!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Is the Panasonic GM5 still good in 2025?
Yes! It’s small, simple, and great for travel and street photos.
2️⃣ Does the Panasonic GM5 have image stabilization?
No built-in IBIS (in-body stabilization), but many Panasonic lenses have stabilization.
3️⃣ What is the Panasonic GM5 good for?
Perfect for travel, daily life, and street photography — not ideal for wildlife or sports.
4️⃣ What’s the biggest problem with the Panasonic GM5?
Small battery and old EVF, but these are easy to manage with spares and good technique.