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Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2 Review

In this post we have a Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2 review with full video specs. We’ve got our hands on sample images from this micro four thirds camera (with several lenses), a video review and what else is new.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2
• Watch our video review
• Full Lumix GH5 M2 Video Specs
• What Else is New on the GH5 M2?
• Log, Gamma and LUT’s
• Wireless Live Streaming With Just An App
• Photography Specifications

Introduction to the Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2

With the release of several full frame L-mount bodies there was an air of concern that Lumix was headed towards full frame only, however everyone can breath a sigh of relief as Panasonic is clearly committed to the micro four thirds system. Yes, we have the new Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II micro four thirds camera, reinvigorated with a series of interim upgrades while we wait patiently for the GH6, announced as coming late 2021.

Camera manufacturers do periodically release interim camera bodies of particularly popular models while they develop fully-fledged new technology for a major release and that is definitely the case here with the GH5 II. The original camera is a multi award winning body, including picking up the coveted TIPA 2017 award. But that date is correct, as the first model was released March 2017 and we’ve been waiting patiently for a while now for an update to a highly popular content creator’s tool.

Watch our video review here

Lumix GH5 M2 Full Video Specs

Despite being a highly capable hybrid tool, many users will be focussed on the video specs of the new GH5 M2 and rightly so. As with the mark I, the mark II is capable of supporting professional videographers, Youtubers, vloggers and other movie-making users. The table below shows the full video specifications directly from Panasonic and you can see that there are just huge amounts of options for recording video, up to 4K/60p at 200Mbps (4:2:0 10-bit Long GOP) internal using H.265/HEVC. Slow motion playback is also popular and Panasonic claim a very respectable Full HD at 59.94p with a maximum output of 180fps. This is plenty fast for ultra smooth slow-mo video even if not quite reaching class leading 240fps.

What else is new on the GH5 M2?

Let’s have a quick rundown on why you might want to upgrade, side grade or simply add another body to your camera bag.

1. Firstly, the Venus processing engine is the latest, fastest and provides the most responsive shooting experience available right now. This matters as we want the camera to not only shoot fast, with great video but also to respond to reviewing images, starting up and generally being quick, which it most definitely is.
2. Panasonic has also added the ability to wirelessly livestream directly from the camera using only their free LUMIX Sync app, nothing else needed. This matters as live-streaming is huge on platforms like Youtube, Facebook and other social media. Whether you’re vlogging a cooking recipe, gaming or an interview, live streaming could’t be easier and you can get to FHD/60p too. There is also the option to connect directly to a Wi-Fi router as well as a firmware update coming soon with RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming being added.
3. A 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor has had an AR (Anti-Reflective) coating applied which helps improve lens performance. We want the cleanest, most detailed images possible and this coating moves in that direction.
4. If you’re shooting hand held photography or video in low light Panasonic has an upgrade just for you with improved body stabilisation. The mark 2 GH5 now claims 6.5-stops of stabilisation thanks to borrowing algorithms from the S1H. That’s up from between 2-5 stops on the previous camera when using Dual IS (lens and body stabilisation combined). This is a significant improvement that means real world benefits to end users when running and gunning.
5. Last and definitely not least the rear 3-inch LCD screen has been updated. It is still a touchscreen that articulates but it is now brighter with better colour rendition and has 1840K dots for better outdoor visibility. Of course you might want to add a video recorder / monitor anyway as you’ll get 4K 4:2:2 10-bit movies over HDMI, but if you stick with internal recording the LCD is now brighter.

Sample image 1, Surfer GH5 M2 with LUMIX LEICA DG 12-60 F/2.8 kit. Settings: 1/2000. F/4.0. ISO 200

Log, Gamma and LUT’s

If you colour grade your video footage you’ll be happy to hear that the Lumix GH5 M2 comes with V-Log L pre-installed so you can capture flat movies and edit in post. There are also 35 free LUT’s available which you can download here as well as read all about using lookup tables. Two Cinelike gamma presets are in the menu too, Cinelike D2 preset gives priority to dynamic range, while Cinelike V2 prioritises contrast and the results are excellent. Not everyone wants or has time to grade their own movies so these are particularly welcome.

Panasonic also includes some extremely nice video tools on the GH5 M2 including a Waveform Monitor, V-Log View Assist and rather nicely a red or blue recording light on the LCD and EVF for either video or livestream.

Sample Image 2, Night Scene GH5 M2 with LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5 / F/1.2. Settings: 5 seconds. F/7.1. ISO 200 (we have used LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5 / F/1.2 lenses here)

Wireless live streaming with just an App

Download the free LUMIX Sync app and you can wirelessly livestream using H.264 codec, at a max resolution of FHD/60p at 16Mbps. theoretically. There are no guarantees with wireless but it is an option if you want to livestream from outdoors for example. For wired live streaming, the dedicated LUMIX Webcam Software is available for free on MAC/PC (BETA) to download.

Sample Image 3, Snowboarder GH5 M2 with LEICA DG10-25 F/1.7. Settings: 1/8000. F/1.7. ISO 125

Photography Specifications

Yes you can shoot photos with the GH5 Mark 2, which is sometimes forgotten as it has such great movie capabilities. 20.3 megapixels is a great resolution for a camera such as this content creator focussed model. We have the new coating on the sensor to get more detail from your lenses although both of the lens kits have excellent quality optics which are more than up to 20 megapixel resolving.

Sample Image 4, Sunset GH5 M2 with LUMIX G VARIO 12-32 F/3.5-5.6. Settings: 1/1000. F/3.5. ISO 100

We still have 4K photo and 6K photos at blistering speeds in electronic shutter mode with 30 fps or 60fps for 4K with EXIF data in jpeg. You’ll be wanting AF at these speeds to be solid and Panasonic are continually improving their contrast-detect AF which includes includes Face, Eye, Body, Animal detection with tracking. It may not be the fastest AF available but it is competent and gets the job done in most situations.

You can tether the camera using LUMIX Tether and there are a whole array of options for photographers including time-lapse, stop motion and ‘Extra Tele Conversion’ which is basically a non-destructive digital zoom feature for stills. All together these support creation of various types for anyone producing pro image content.

An overall package aimed at pros

You do not have to be a professional to crave this type of tool, but if you are you can rest assured that Panasonic take useability and durability seriously on your behalf. The body is of course dust and water resistant with a -10C operating ceiling. At 727g it’s no featherweight, rather it is solid and well built using magnesium alloys. The shutter is rated at 200,000 cycles which is firmly within pro territory. The rechargeable battery has been upgraded to the same high capacity unit which the S5 uses (DMW-BLK22). There’s more but you’ll just have to pop into one of our stores to appreciate the level of proficiency which this upgrade consists of. If you’re already convinced here are the three options open for ordering now.

1. DC-GH5 M2 Camera Body Only
2. GH5 M2 Camera With Leica DG 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Lens Kit
3. GH5 M2 With Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Lens Kit

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By Nick Dautlich on 25/05/2021