Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2 vs original GH5: What’s different?

(Pocket-lint) - Panasonic has changed its GH5 mirrorless digital camera with an up to date model: the unsurprisingly named GH5 Mark II. But it surely’s similar to its predecessor.

The M2 is not similar to the unique GH5, although, and whereas could not make sense to swap out a first-gen for this mannequin, there are variations. So what precisely are they?

Design

• Each: Water- and dust-sealed physique
• Each: Twin SD card assist (each UHS-II)
• Each: 3.5mm ports for mic enter & headphone out
• GH5: V-Log L pay-for software program improve / GH5 M2: V-Log L put in as normal
• GH5: 3.2in, 1.6m-dot articulating LCD / GH5 M2: 3.0in, 1.8m-dot articulating LCD
• GH5: DMW-BLF19 battery (1860mAh) / GH5 M2: DMW-BLK22 (2200mAh, USB-C charging)

Take a fast look on the two cameras side-by-side and you will discover how related they’re. Little or no has modified when it comes to the general form and styling. All of the buttons and dials are in the identical place as earlier than, however there are some refined purely aesthetic adjustments.

The film button is now purple, plus there is a purple ring across the taking pictures mode swap dial - similar to on the Lumix S5. All the things else is virtually similar, bar the brand new “II” marking to specify the digital camera mannequin.

One different slight distinction we discover is the customisable operate buttons now not have ‘Fn’ labels on them, as an alternative they’ve the icon depicting what they do by default. For example ‘Fn1’ is now the color profile switcher, ‘Fn5’ is the LVF button. Basically, what was once the secondary label subsequent to the button on the digital camera physique has now been moved onto the button itself.

Each cameras have a completely articulating display screen that flips out to the aspect and options touch-sensitive controls for focusing and adjusting settings. The one minor distinction between the screens is that the bezel on the highest and backside is thicker on the brand new mannequin, whereas the show is barely smaller - at 3.2-inches vs 3.0-inches, however it’s sharper although.

The 2 cameras share the identical port format on their left sides. Meaning 3.5mm ports for mic and headphones, a full sized HDMI, and a USB-C port. The one distinction right here, nonetheless, is you could cost the M2’s battery - which is now bigger capability, the identical as used within the Lumix S1 - utilizing this port. It isn’t only for knowledge switch.

On the precise, each have two SD card slots protected by a locking door. Each cameras assist as much as SDXC UHS-II velocity class 3.

Sensor video capabilities

• GH5: Cinema 4K 10-bit at 24fps, 4K 8-bit 60fps / GH5 M2: Cinema 4K, 4K as much as 10-bit 60fps
• GH5 M2: C4K/4K60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI out with simultaneous 4:2:0 inner recording
• Each: 20.3MP Micro 4 Thirds sensor / GH5 M2: provides anti-reflective (AR) coating
• Each: 5-axis stabilisation (in-body and lens twin system)

On the sensor aspect, the 2 cameras have a 20.3-megapixel Micro 4 Thirds sensor and mount. It is in video efficiency the place the M2 has the higher hand although.

We can’t record each single obtainable resolutions and body price, however the Mark II can shoot in Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) at 4:2:0 10-bit as much as 60fps or in DCI 4K (3840 x 2160) at 4:2:0 10-bit as much as 60fps. All inner, and with no recording limits.

These two are 200Mbps, however when you drop it right down to 30 or 24fps you’ll be able to rise up to 400Mbps 10-bit with each resolutions. What’s extra, you’ll be able to shoot in Anamorphic 6K as much as 30fps or 4K as much as 60fps.

The unique GH5 solely goes as much as 24fps at Cinema 4K decision at 10-bit. And solely does 8-bit recording at 4K/60. Briefly: there is a little bit of a bump when it comes to knowledge seize, which may swimsuit color graders greater than the final GH5. Particularly because the GH5 M2 comes with V-Log L pre-installed, not like the pay-for improve that it was on the unique GH5.

Autofocus is barely extra superior for the M2 mannequin too, providing the identical face and eye detection because the GH5, but in addition including physique and animal detection.

Each fashions have 5-axis sensor-shift stabilisation and assist for Twin IS 2 with related stabilised lenses.

Options and efficiency

• GH5 M2: Provides wi-fi livestreaming

Panasonic has outfitted the Mark II with skill to livestream wirelessly as much as Full HD decision utilizing NTSC or PAL requirements - as much as both 60fps or 50fps respectively. This can be a key new characteristic for Panasonic.

Value

• GH5 M2: £1499
• GH5 launch value: £1299

Relying on the place you look - and the place it is nonetheless obtainable - the unique GH5 could be discovered between £1200-£1300 within the UK. The GH5 M2, in the meantime, goes to value somewhat extra - with a retail value set at £1499 for the physique solely. Like the unique GH5 you can discover the Mark II in a package with the 12-60mm lens.

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Conclusion

It is protected to say that the Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2 is not an enormous improve over the first-generation mannequin, however that is okay. As an alternative, that is very a lot a alternative for it, taking its place on the GH-series ladder.

For these on the lookout for a a lot greater enchancment it’s going to doubtless be price waiting for the GH6 - which officially comes out later in the year. That will cost yet more though, which is why it made sense to refresh the GH5 and keep something at a more accessible price point.

Writing by Cam Bunton. Editing by Mike Lowe.