Tom Calton thinks the GM1/GM5 are “The Best Mini Mirrorless Camera Ever Made”

January 12, 2025
reviews
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I do own the Lumix GM1 and like Tom Calton think this is a small jewel. I hope Panasonic launches a new GM model with a new sensor and LUT support at an affordable price… that could go down very well with young people!

This is what Tom Calton had to say about both cameras:

Key Features and Strengths

1. Size and Portability:

Both the GM1 and GM5 are as small as a pack of cards, making them ideal everyday carry cameras.
Paired with a compact lens like the 20mm f/1.7, they offer excellent portability without sacrificing quality.

2. Sensor and Image Quality:

Both cameras house a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, offering significant image quality compared to smaller sensor competitors.
Image quality is excellent for a 10-year-old camera, with good detail and color. Noise is present when pushing RAW files but can be addressed with modern AI tools.

3. Mechanical Shutter:

Unlike many compact competitors, both models include a mechanical shutter (up to 1/500th second), switching to an electronic shutter at higher speeds.

4. Aesthetic Design:

The cameras feature a sleek, classic metal-and-leather rangefinder style.
A variety of color options adds to their appeal, inspired by brands like Fujifilm and Pentax.

5. Price and Value Retention:

GM5 models, despite being over a decade old, retain high value, often selling for $750–$1,000, compared to $400–$600 for the GM1.

Key Differences Between GM1 and GM5

1. Hot Shoe and EVF:

The GM5 replaces the GM1’s pop-up flash with a hot shoe and adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF), addressing one of the GM1’s primary limitations.

2. Improved Controls:

The GM5 features a command dial, three additional customizable buttons, and improved ergonomics compared to the GM1’s less intuitive D-pad controls.

3. Handling Enhancements:

The GM5 adds a thumb grip and better-placed buttons, improving usability without significantly increasing size.

Drawbacks

Limited Shutter Speed: The mechanical shutter only works up to 1/500th second, reverting to electronic for faster speeds.
Aging Technology: As 10-year-old cameras, both models lack modern sensor advancements, improved autofocus, and features like in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
High Price: The GM5’s value retention makes it expensive, often double the cost of the GM1.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The GM5 is clearly the better camera, offering superior handling, an EVF, and a hot shoe, but its high price makes it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers. The GM1 remains a more affordable option for those willing to forgo these extras.
The creator closes with a plea to Panasonic to revive the GM series with modern updates, such as a tiltable touchscreen, IBIS, and improved sensor technology. Until then, the GM1 and GM5 remain excellent choices for those seeking the best pocket-sized mirrorless cameras ever made.