I believe I've mentioned that the Panasonic GM5 really got my attention after I took it with me to the south of France last year (as an afterthought). The camera and the lenses made for it are so small and light you really don't realise that you're carrying them around with you.
I normally use the two lenses made for it; the 12-32 f3.5-5.6 OIS and the 35-100 f4.0-5.6 OIS. These two lenses were especially made for this camera and nobody can complain about the price. The GM5 can no longer be purchased new but on a papular auction site, they are going for...well I don't know because there are NONE available on eBay right now in Germany to purchase.
This doesn't mean you can't use other lenses on these cameras, but it may look a little strange; for want of a better word. The system would be rather front heavy and may cause some problems, but it would work just fine. But those small lenses can also be used on other cameras, an Olympus E-M10 (ii) or an E-M5 (ii). A very light and competent system. The only thing that some people might not like is the pancake design of the lenses. I.e. You have to turn the lens to extend it first before you can use the system. Personally, it doesn't bother me at all. Just means when I'm not using the system it takes even less space in my shoulder bag. And even if the EVF isn't anything to write home about (actually it's a bit of a sad affair) it's still an EVF and I need one.
Top image: Shows the lenses in the parked position.
Bottom image: Shows the lenses in the ready position.
I would say however, if you have large hands the GM5 is not for you. It is a bit fiddly to use, especially that small wheel at the back for aperture and EC control. I get by with it though. It is a fully fledged M43 camera and the images are the same as from other M43 cameras. Really, really impressive. Just think of the size of the system with all those small primes on it. The Olympus 12 f2, the Panasonic 14 f2.5 and even the Olympus 17 f1.8 and f2.8 lenses. Hell, the Olympus 45 f1.8 wouldn't be misplaced on the GM5. And they are all really good lenses.
Here are some images taken with this camera. Lenses used are the two small lenses mentioned above. Click on an image for a larger size.
Panasonic GM5
I just want to point out again that these cannot be bought second hand today in Germany because you just can't find them. I'm lucky I bought a spare one some time ago and I bought it at a bargain price. I watched a video the other day that show this little camera going for well over AS$2000 in Australia. At least they can be bought over there.
I am not selling mine any time soon as they might be small cameras but the image quality is second to none.
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