What’s Changed? While the GH4 is quite advanced for a hybrid mirrorless camera, the GH5 does everything it does noticeably better as well as adds professional video features like waveform and vectorscope monitors. Autofocus is faster with more points, 5-axis in-body stabilization has been added, and the new sensor/processor combo enables in-camera 4K60p capture.

20.3MP Live MOS 4/3 Sensor. This low-pass filter-free sensor produces detailed, high resolution images and video throughout its 200 – 25,600 normal ISO range. This sensor is paired with a new image processor that enables all the video wizardry inside this relatively small camera.

5-Axis Image Stabilization with Dual IS 2 Support. While other Panasonic cameras have in-camera sensor stabilization, the GH5 is Panasonic’s first to utilize 5-axis sensor stabilization. When paired with a stabilized Panasonic lens that supports Dual IS 2, you’ll see up to 5 stops of correction.

4K Video Powerhouse. Unlike its predecessor, the GH5 uses the full sensor width for 4K capture with no recording time limit. The camera offers internal recording at up to 4K/30p 10-bit 4:2:2 (400Mbps) and 1080/60p 10-bit 4:2:2 (200Mbps). Sending the signal out to a compatible external recorder increases the possible 4K frame rate to 60p, but does little else.

Professional Video Functionality. Waveform and vectorscope monitoring are major additions, but the GH5 also offers a variety of handy features like pre-configurable rack focusing and CINELIKE V and CINELIKE D picture styles with in-camera LUTs for monitoring. Additionally, there’s a 4:3 anamorphic shooting mode and overcranking ability for Full HD 1080 @180fps video.

V-LogL Upgrade Pre-Installed. This product includes the Panasonic V-LogL upgrade pre-installed on the GH5. This provides an extremely flat image out of the camera that’s able to extract up to 12-stops of dynamic range when graded in post.

But What About Still Photography? While headlining features are primarily video-centric, the GH5 is a quite capable still camera. The improved Depth From Defocus system offers faster, more accurate performance with 225 AF points. Panasonic has also added a dedicated AF point joystick for selecting the desired point, and the camera can capture up to 9fps with continuous autofocus.

OLED EVF & Touchscreen Rear LCD. One of the most welcomed new additions (at least around here) is the 3680k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification. Outside of the Leica SL, it’s among the best available. Meanwhile, the 3.2-inch 1.62m-dot rear RGBW LCD is fully-articulating and touch-capable.

Durable Body. Build quality has been improved, with extensive weather-sealing around the magnesium alloy that Panasonic claims is dust-proof, splash-proof, and freeze-proof down to 14º F. Dual UHS-II SDXC memory card slots handle recording, while the same DMW-BLF19 rechargeable battery is carried over from the GH4.

Other Notable Features. While there’s numerous, a few most-notable are built-in 5 Ghz Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC, and Bluetooth 4.2 LE for wireless image transfer and remote camera control, optional Panasonic DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adapter add-on for professional audio functionality, and 4K/6K Photo modes at 30 fps/60 fps (JPEG only).

Need a Memory Card? You’ll need an ultra-fast memory card for a camera this powerful, and we recommend the Sony 128GB SF-G Tough Series UHS-II SDXC. This camera can take full advantage of its superior 299 MB/s max write speed and 300 MB/s max read speed for high-resolution, high-bitrate capture.