Panasonic GM5: The Cult Camera Rising in Value
The Panasonic GM5 was launched in 2014 as the world’s smallest Micro Four Thirds camera with an EVF. Combining ultra-compact size with interchangeable lenses and a good quality EVF, it became a favorite for street photographers, travelers, and MFT fans. Years later, the GM5 is seeing an incredible surge in used prices — especially in rare color variants.
The camera key specs:
- 16MP sensor
- 200-25600 ISO
- 5.8fps
- 1.166m dot EVF with 0,92x magnification
- no IBIS
- contrast AF
- body size: 98.5 x 59.5 x 36.1 mm
- 211g weight
- 220 shots (CIPA)
- MFT mount
So let’s take a closer look at what’s happening and why it’s becoming so popular again:
Smallest system camera with integrated EVF. Here is a size comparison with the new FujiFilm X-E5:
GM5 Price History (2015–2025)
Overall increase: +83.33% from lowest point (~$324.0) to today (~$594.0).
From 2020 onward, interest began to rise again. Key reasons:
- During COVID, many photographers returned to small, fun cameras.
- Film camera prices skyrocketed — digital “retro” cameras like GM5 became attractive.
- Influencers on Instagram/YouTube began showcasing GM5 setups (especially Japan & EU).
- Shortage of other small MFT cameras — no modern replacement released.
GM5 Price History by Color
Percentage increase from lowest point:
- Red: +87.5%
- Black: +83.33%
- Green: +80.0%
- Blue: +71.43%
Why is Red so popular? The red GM5 was made in lower quantities and only in some markets. Japanese collectors value it for uniqueness and pair it with matching straps/bags. On eBay Japan, red typically sells +$150–200 over black models.
Percentage Increase vs Other Cult Cameras
The GM5 is outpacing even cult models like Fujifilm X100F and Ricoh GR III.
GM5 Price Forecast (2025–2030)
Forecast: GM5 will likely reach ~$750 USD by 2030 (black), with red models approaching $900–950 USD. This is driven by:
- Increasing rarity (limited production)
- Growing collector demand
- Lack of modern equivalents
- Strong MFT community support
Google Trend Analysis
Top terms: “GM5 green”, “Panasonic GM5 rare colors”, “GM5 red”, “GM5 with 15mm Leica”, “best lens for GM5” — driven by Japan, Germany, UK, France markets.
Who is Buying the GM5 Today?
- Street photographers
- Collectors of rare MFT cameras
- Travelers wanting ultra-compact kits
- Content creators seeking “retro digital” style
Why the GM5 is Hot Again
- Smallest ILC with EVF ever made
- Interchangeable lenses (Leica 15mm f/1.7, Olympus 17mm f/1.8)
- Fits in jacket pocket
- Affordable MFT lens ecosystem
- Great JPEG color engine
- Collector scarcity (especially red/green/blue versions)
Where to buy the Panasonic Lumix GM5:
Ideal lenses for the GM5
- Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH (Amazon,B&H, Adorama)
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama)
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II ASPH (Amazon, B&H, Adorama)
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama)
- Panasonic Lumix G 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. (kit lens) (Amazon, B&H, Adorama)
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Pancake (Amazon, B&H,Adorama)
The Panasonic GM5 today stands alongside cult cameras like Fujifilm X100F, Ricoh GR III, Olympus PEN-F, and Sony RX1R II. I suggest you buy one today if you wanna speculate on some future gains.