Chris Niccols posted this Love Letter, Not a Review of the Panasonic Lumix GM5. It’s a personal ode to a camera that nails the balance between size, simplicity, and shooting joy. While it lacks modern tech like IBIS, a high-res EVF, or fancy autofocus, the GM5 delivers where it counts: portability, manual controls, and just enough power to inspire creativity.
What Makes the GM5 So Special?
- Interchangeable lenses in a truly pocket-sized body
- Built-in EVF — unlike its sibling, the GM1
- Full manual controls, despite its size
- A decent 16MP CMOS sensor with surprisingly good color and black & white output
- Hot shoe support for external flashes
- Travel-ready build — perfect for street and documentary photographers
Chris has taken the GM5 everywhere: Prague, Tokyo, New York, Hawaii, and more. It’s a camera that fits in a shirt pocket but delivers images he still loves.
It’s Not Perfect
- The EVF is low-res and suffers from rainbow artifacts
- The rear screen is fixed and dim in sunlight
- Battery life is poor (220 shots rated)
- No built-in flash
Yet none of this seems to matter when the goal is to shoot for the joy of it.
Why Micro Four Thirds Still Matters
Chris argues that modern micro four thirds hasn’t changed much since the GM5’s release — and that’s a good thing. The camera’s simple mechanical shutter, lightweight design, and extensive lens compatibility make it a pleasure to use. He praises Panasonic’s natural color rendering, especially for monochrome work, and notes that even at high ISOs like 1600 or 3200, the noise mimics organic film grain beautifully.
A Call to Action for Camera Makers
The second half of the video becomes a rallying cry: why aren’t manufacturers making cameras like this anymore? Chris believes there’s still a huge market for compact, enthusiast-focused cameras — especially in today’s age of film nostalgia and the booming demand for pocketable, fixed-lens digital gear.
“This is an appeal for modern manufacturers to get back to making cameras like this.”
He suggests OM System as the most logical company to revive this concept, combining their retro PEN heritage with a new ultra-compact interchangeable-lens body.
Chris’s Dream GM5 Successor
- Compact form factor (like the GM1/GM5)
- Mechanical shutter (even EFC is fine)
- Built-in EVF
- Better screen visibility in sunlight
- A pop-up flash or hot shoe
- Interchangeable lenses
- Improved battery life and stabilization
Where to Find a GM5 Today?
Chris points viewers to KEH.com to find a used GM5 and compatible micro four thirds lenses. Panasonic, Olympus, and OM System lenses are all great options.
Final Thoughts
The Panasonic GM5 may not be the fastest, most feature-packed, or most celebrated digital camera ever made. But it might just be the most lovable — and in the end, that’s what keeps photographers coming back. Whether you agree or disagree, one thing’s clear: photography is about the experience, not just the specs.