Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16.05 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6
48
SCORE
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Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5
48
SCORE
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 is the carry-anywhere option of these two Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, weighing 211 g and measuring 99 x 60 x 36 mm, against 390 g and 122 x 85 x 71 mm for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6. The G6 was announced in 2013, a year before the GM5 followed in 2014. That size gap shapes the whole comparison rather than any class difference between them. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2013 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
April 24, 2013 | September 15, 2014 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 122 x 85 x 71 mm | 99 x 60 x 36 mm |
| Camera weight | 390 g | 211 g |
| Optics | 47/100 | 49/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsResolution gives you practically identical cropping room here: the G6 records 16.05 MP and the GM5 16 MP, and both use the same Micro 4/3 mount, so your lens choices are shared. Each offers 23 autofocus points, which keeps subject placement flexible in the frame on either body. The GM5 reaches 1/16000 second, four times shorter than the G6's 1/4000 limit, useful for wide-aperture shooting in bright light. It also offers a native ISO ceiling of 25600 against 12800. The G6 answers with a faster 7 fps burst against 5.8 fps, giving it an edge on fleeting action like a bird taking flight. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.05 MP050 | 16 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4608 x 3456 | 4592 x 3448 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
13 x 17.3 | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
7 fps045 | 5.8 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Venus Engine IX | Venus Engine |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 4:3 | 4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
16030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
16030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
12044080 | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 1600080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
230300 | 230300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 144000009900000 | 116600009900000 |
| Video | 56/100 | 70/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoInterval shooting is the practical split here: the GM5 offers a built-in timelapse function, so you can capture frame sequences in camera without external gear, while the G6 needs a separate intervalometer. For ordinary clips the two match, each recording up to Full HD, with maximum video frame rates of 60 fps, saved as MP4 or AVCHD, so everyday footage and simple edits are equally served. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
No |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
AVCHD MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch) | MP4, AVCHD |
| Features | 57/100 | 54/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe G6 is clearly better equipped for varied shooting angles and fill light. Its LCD tilts for waist-level or overhead framing, while the GM5's screen is fixed, and the G6 carries a built-in flash for dim interiors, where the GM5 relies on an external unit. The G6's screen also resolves 1036000 dots against 921000, so menus and playback look crisper. Some day-to-day conveniences are shared: each camera connects over Wi-Fi for wireless transfer to a phone, and each touchscreen measures 3 inches. Neither includes GPS for geotagging travel photos, and neither is weather sealed. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10360001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
 Yes | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 21/100 | 13/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryThe G6 carries the higher rated battery life, at 340 shots against 220 for the GM5, and the two use different packs, the DMW-BLC12 versus the DMW-BLH7. Storage is identical in practice: each takes a single SD, SDHC or SDXC card, and neither charges over USB, so a mains or dedicated charger travels with either body. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | DMW-BLC12 | DMW-BLH7 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
340 shots1505000 | 220 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the GM5 if minimum size matters most: at roughly half the weight and far slimmer, it fits a jacket pocket, and its 1/16000 shutter plus built-in timelapse suit bright street work and interval shooting. Choose the G6 for handheld family scenes and indoor gatherings, where its tilting screen, built-in flash and 340-shot rating do the work. Both share the same Micro 4/3 mount, so lenses carry across either choice.