Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Mark II

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II review

If you already own the original GH5, there are few reasons to swap it for the new Mark II. Image quality is virtually identical and the improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary. If live streaming is a game changer for you, there might be a case for upgrading – but otherwise it makes more sense to stick with the older model. It’s still a great camera and Panasonic has no plans to retire it just yet. For anyone else, though, this is a great mirrorless camera that can do it all. Sure, its stills performance is solid rather than transcendent and its AF system could be quicker. But with superb video performance, a compact design and excellent handling, the GH5 II is one of the best all-rounders out there. It’s also cheaper than the original model was at launch – and while it’s still fairly pricey, the Mark II is great value for money.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II review review

Panasonic GH5 Mark II review

If you're looking for a well-built, lightweight mirrorless camera with excellent handling, a fantastic range of video shooting options and solid stills performance, the GH5 Mark II his well worth a look. The GH5 was already a great choice, and the tweaks here just make it all the more appealing. If you own the original GH5, though, the GH5 Mark II seems slightly redundant: aside from minor performance upgrades and the addition of live streaming, it’s largely unchanged. Unless you really need that live-streaming functionality, you’re better off waiting for the Panasonic GH6.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Review

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II review

The GH5 II adds a fewer feature enhancements to one of the strongest stills/video cameras on the market. Autofocus is improved but is still a weak point for 24p video capture, taking the gloss of what's otherwise a superlative video camera. Excellent image stabilization and a broad range of video support tools still make it one of the strongest options for 4K shooting under $3000.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II review: Evolution, not revolution

It's probably safe to say that if you've got a GH5 already, there's not much reason to consider buying the second-generation model. Unless you could really do with those extra bitrates or wireless livestreaming, there's otherwise not a huge evolution here.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II Review

The mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II puts video features first, with more robust 4K recording than its predecessor and other sensible upgrades. Just like earlier models in the series, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II ($1,699.99, body only) is a capable stills camera that puts its video features first. It uses the same stabilized 20MP sensor as the GH5, but ups processing power to get more out of it. There are some updates to the body, too, including the viewfinder. It's a worthwhile upgrade for system owners, and a top-flight choice for videographers, but not quite as good an all-around performer as the Fujifilm X-T4, our Editors' Choice winner in the class.Refreshes GH5 Design The GH5 II doesn't represent a massive change in concept or capabilities. For the upgrade, Panasonic stuck with the same image sensor, a 20MP Micro Four Thirds imager with support for 4K60 recording at 16:9, and 6K30 when using anamorphic lenses. Another GH camera, the Lumix GH6, is coming later this year, but isn't set to replace the GH5 II. Instead, the GH6 promises higher-resolution recording, 5.7K60. Panasonic hasn't fully outlined its specs, ...

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II initial review

Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II initial review: Evolution, not revolution

It's probably safe to say that if you've got a GH5 already, there's not much reason to consider buying the second-generation model. Unless you could really do with those extra bitrates or wireless livestreaming, there's otherwise not a huge evolution here.

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