Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation highlights the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II as a video-centric, evolutionary upgrade featuring the best video capabilities in its class under $3,000. Key pros include excellent 4K/60p 10-bit internal recording, highly effective 5-axis image stabilization, built-in wireless live streaming, and a robust build. Conversely, the review notes that the contrast-detect autofocus remains a weakness for continuous tracking, and the Micro Four Thirds sensor limits low-light performance compared to full-frame competitors. Despite these limitations, the camera is recommended for its extensive, professional-grade video tools and strong value.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is an incremental refresh of its filmmaking predecessor, upgrading the hybrid system with a faster Venus processing engine while retaining the 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. For stills photography, the sensor delivers clean JPEGs and matches full-frame alternatives in fine detail at low ISOs, though its dynamic range falls behind rivals at ISO 1600 and above. For video, the camera stands out by introducing wireless streaming via the LUMIX Sync app, a pre-installed V-Log L profile, and deep bit-depth configurations like internal 10-bit recording. Additionally, its highly robust 5-axis in-body image stabilization offers up to 6.5 stops of shake compensation, providing an almost stationary, rock-solid live view during static handheld shooting. The major advantages of the GH5 II include its highly effective 6.5-stop stabilization, an expanded stills buffer capacity (handling over 108 RAW files), and a lower price point compared to full-frame setups. However, the camera suffers from notable drawbacks: it is not a compelling upgrade for existing GH5 owners, and Panasonic has shrunk the rear vari-angle touchscreen down to 3 inches from the previous...

The RTINGS review highlights the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II as a robust, well-rounded Micro Four Thirds camera featuring excellent dynamic range, durable weather-sealed construction, and comfortable, intuitive ergonomics. It is highly praised for producing rich image detail and offering impressive battery life, making it a reliable tool for extended shooting sessions. Conversely, the camera is noted for having a relatively heavy, bulky chassis and limited low-light performance due to higher noise levels at increased ISO, trailing full-frame competitors. Additionally, the contrast-based autofocus tracking is deemed only decent, occasionally struggling with fast-moving subjects.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II delivers exceptional image quality with precise, un-oversharpened details and pleasing color, aided by an anti-reflective coating to reduce ghosting. Its intelligent Dynamic Range (iDR) system boosts range by 25%, while the updated Dual Image Stabilisation offers up to 6.5 stops of shake reduction for superior handheld shooting. Key performance strengths include highly effective DFD autofocus with robust eye/face detection and automatic, seamless in-camera lens corrections. Conversely, the GH5 II is notably heavy at 727g, exceeding some full-frame rivals, and lacks the noise performance of larger APS-C/full-frame sensors, with usable low-light results topping out around ISO 6400. The contrast-detect AF system can produce occasional hunting or "wobble" during video. Additional limitations include a 180fps cap on high-speed FullHD (forcing manual focus) and the absence of 6K video capability. For the full performance analysis, visit ePHOTOzine. ePHOTOzine

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is an affordable, video-focused Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that offers exceptional value, particularly for budget-minded shooters who rely on high-quality internal recording and long takes. Tested on location in Mexico, the camera excels in delivering stunning image quality, utilizing the same sensor as its predecessor but with an upgraded anti-reflective (AR) coating to dramatically reduce internal purple flaring. It standout features include the ability to shoot high-data-rate All-Intra 10-bit DCI 4K at 400 Mbps internally, an included V-Log L profile for maximized dynamic range, and Panasonic’s signature unlimited recording time. Furthermore, the GH5 II introduces highly effective sensor stabilization for shooting wide-aspect anamorphic footage and brings robust livestreaming and USB webcam functionalities right out of the box. Despite these strong professional features, the camera falls short in a few critical areas regarding usability and automated performance. The updated rear monitor, while boasting a higher resolution, is frustratingly small, making it difficult to judge critical focus even with focus peaking enabled. Additionally, navigating and applying the anamorphic settings is a tedious process, as the menu...

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is a 20.3MP mirrorless Micro Four Thirds hybrid camera that serves as a lightweight, weather-sealed upgrade to the original GH5. Evaluated strictly from a still photographer's perspective, the camera excels in capturing high-quality static images, showing outstanding detail, rich color gradations, and excellent dynamic range when shooting landscapes, nature, or city walks. Key hardware improvements include an upgraded 5-axis in-body image stabilization supporting up to 6.5 stops, a higher-capacity 2200mAh battery, a highly responsive autofocus joystick, an anti-reflective sensor coating to reduce ghosting, and a significantly brighter rear flip screen. However, the camera falls short for fast-paced event and portrait photography due to its highly automated tech features. The advanced autofocus face and body tracking often select subjects automatically, causing the photographer to miss spontaneous candid moments while manually fighting or disabling the system. Additionally, the camera suffers from sub-par low-light image performance at high ISO levels, producing blurry results in flat lighting. The smaller camera body is cluttered with buttons and extensive menus that force photographers to take their eyes off the subject, leading...

The Photo Review Australia review highlights the Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II as an exceptionally well-built, professional-grade hybrid camera that excels in videography and seamless workflow integration, featuring internal 10-bit Cinema 4K/60p recording and effective 5-axis Dual I.S. II. Key strengths include excellent ergonomics with weather-sealing, a brighter touchscreen, and native wireless live streaming, making it a robust, versatile tool for creators. However, the review notes that while autofocus tracking is improved with deep learning, the contrast-based Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) system remains less confident than competitor phase-detection systems. Additionally, the Micro Four Thirds sensor has limited low-light capability compared to full-frame options, and some users may find the focus menu interface less intuitive for rapid adjustments.