I have looked at the GM5 many times, but aside from the smaller size, I'm not sure what is better or advantageous about the GM5 vs my GH3, GX8, EM1-1 or the G85. The smaller size is not something that is important to me. All of my existing MFT cameras are already small enough for me.
Is there something else I'm missing about the GM5 that makes it so appealing and special for some?
Gary
Nope, it's the size, but:
- It's not a little bit small, it's enormously small. Without a lens, it's a bit smaller than an Sony RX100 IV and much lighter.
- It has all the physical controls and buttons that you'd expect from an amateur DSLR camera, and they are mostly laid out the same way as with other advanced Panasonic cameras. It
is an advanced camera.
- The viewfinder is not Panasonic's best, but it's very good, and more than sufficient for manual focusing.
- To me, it's a 200 gram pro camera. I bring it everywhere, either on it's own or as as backup/supplement to the GX8.
I've always wanted a small camera, at least since I gave away the excellent Canon A95, but most advanced p&s cameras include one or more compromises that I would prefer not to live with. The Sony RX100 is too small (the GM5 has the advantage of a lens sticking out, making it easier to hold), the Panasonic LX100 is too big, all the Canons are too slow... and so on. In addition, the GM5 is a fully functional backup for any m4/3 camera while adding only 200 grams to my bag, and hardly taking up any space at all. Image quality is obviously on par with that generation of m4/3 cameras.
I've considered the GX850 as a supplement to get a flip-up LCD and 4K video within the same size range (it uses the same batteries as the GM5). What keeps me back are the ergonomics that aren't even close to those of the GM5 and the fact that it lacks a viewfinder. As things look now, I'm probably looking at a GM5, GX8, G9 trio. That should cover me very well for more or less any challenge, and when it doesn't, I have the Nikon D610.
I have a tiny, little camera bag that rooms the GM5 with two lenses and a couple of extra batteries. All in all, it's less than 500 gram with the most common setups (GM5 + 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 + 35-100mm f/4-5.6 or one of the lenses replaced by a small prime). It's what I grab when I go out the door. It's my "no excuse" bag
It works very well with the 12-35mm f/2.8 btw. When carrying the GX8 and the GM5, the GX8 is mostly equiped with a long lens, and the GM5 with the 12-35mm.