Lumix G5 ... Discuss!

[JoeV]

It's been a bit quiet here, despite the news of the G5's release, so perhaps we need to start a friendly discussion.

Looks like the G5 uses the same (older style) batteries as the GH2, larger than the G3 and hence longer battery life, which for me implies that my old G1 batteries and charger can be used, too.

The grip appears about the same depth as the G1/2/H2, just a tad wider, and noticeably bigger than the G3's; I am happy with the G1 handling, so this should bode well for us long-time m4/3 users.

Video is improved over the G1's (that was a joke to ensure y'all are still awake out there), offering 1080P 60fps at 28mbps, and manual exposure during video, using PASM functions is now enabled. "Venus Engine VII" sounds like a grrl band.

Dynamic range and overall image quality improvements are still up in the air at this time, though the improvement over the G1 has to be impressive.

I'm thinking a body-only G5 purchase is in my future. What say y'all?

-Joe

[Dwig]

Originally Posted by JoeV

...
Looks like the G5 uses the same (older style) batteries as the GH2, larger than the G3 and hence longer battery life, which for me implies that my old G1 batteries and charger can be used, too...

No quite right.

The G5 uses the same NEW style BLC-12 battery used by the GH-2, which does have a higher capacity than the battery used by the out-going G3. The "old style" BLB-13 used by the G1, G2, G10, & GH1 is different from the BLC-12 and has a fractionally higher mAh rating.

[gavinlg]

Looks like another 'neither here nor there' camera from Panasonic to me, personally.

It looks like a melted blob compared to the OM-D, it has a panasonic sensor, and whats up with the little joystick on the top plate - Why not just put a control dial there and be done with it?

[shadowfox]

Sorry.
Yawn here also.
In fact, I don't remember being excited about any Panasonic camera bodies.
I had an LX3 for a brief time, sold it to get my E-P2.

Their lenses are interesting once in a while, but that's only because they are directly usable on Olympus bodies.

[wblynch]

I still have the G1. I like it a lot but seldom use it due to return to film (while it lasts)

A die-hard Olympus OM film user I am not convinced by the EM5, and still favor the Panasonic M 4/3 cameras.

I need to look into this G5. I hope it doesn't have the rubberized coating like the G1. Mine hasn't peeled but I must always treat it carefully.

[bwidjaja]

If DR and ISO performance is as good as or close to EM-5, this may be my ticket to upgrade my GH1...

[richardhkirkando]

Eh. I like cameras with the viewfinder off to the side so I can keep my left eye open when shooting. Seeing these fake SLR-styled cameras like the EM-5 and G* is kind of frustrating - if Panasonic would release a G5 with the EVF placed off to the left, I'd buy it right away.

[wblynch]

Yet I need the viewfinder to be centered above the lens...

and here we are

[n5jrn]

Originally Posted by gavinlg

It looks like a melted blob compared to the OM-D, it has a panasonic sensor, and whats up with the little joystick on the top plate - Why not just put a control dial there and be done with it?

Agree with all of that; dials that you can assign to dedicated functions are better than modes and submenus (UI issues are in general the things I dislike most about digital). Plus, I was able to find the OM-D in stock at a local camera store now; it's not something I had to wait until this fall to purchase.

But, one of the best things about m4/3 when compared to other EVIL platforms is that there are two manufacturers making such cameras, which means for more choice not only in bodies but in lenses.

[Eric T]

Not enough of an improvement over the G3 to interest me.

[thegman]

A bit "meh" for me. I had a G1, and thought the interface was pretty terrible. I think if I was to dabble again in m43, then I'd try Olympus.