Is the GM1 (or GM5) still worth buying?

Kyle Craven · Mar 27, 2018

I'm looking for a small camera that I can fit in my jacket pocket, or a small bag. There doesn't seem to be any MFT on the market right now that are even close to the GM cameras. I think the GX850 is the smallest MFT available.

Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying? Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

dwkyre · Mar 27, 2018

The compact cameras will fit in more spaces with more zoom range and more lens speed. The small micro 4/3 will get you a bigger sensor, which can compensate in some situations, and the ability to put different/bigger lenses on if you want. Use cases are somewhat different, but it is true that you can get a relatively thin depth of field with a fast prime on a GM camera.

As far as which: I think the GM5 is still worth it if you really want an EVF. The GM1 has a nice built quality and is truly tiny, but unless you need to shave off those mm, you can probably get more out of a GX850. Flip screen, DFD, no antialiasing filter.

Dryce · Mar 27, 2018

Basic answer: yes

If you are looking for something newer then a GX800 is a bit bigger than a GM1 or GM5 but still fairly compact.

The LX100 offers a similar package but longer zoom range from the fixed lens and EVF.

Downside of GM1 and GX800 is no flash hot shoe and no EVF.

TheDream168 · Mar 27, 2018

I have both the GM1 and the GF9 (GX850/GX800), as well as the GX85 (GX80).

For my trip to Vietnam last December, I actually took the GM1. Nothing really beats the size and convenience.

The GX850 actually does give sharper images which are noticeable, because of the removal of the anti-aliasing filter.

https://microfourthirdssite.wordpre...icro-four-thirds-travel-lite-vietnam-edition/

Kyle Craven · Mar 27, 2018

May I ask which lens you pair with those bodies?

Kyle Craven · Mar 27, 2018

If I was to get a MFT camera over a compact, I'd likely pair it with a fast prime such as the 20mm f1.7. I'm not very knowledgable, but I imagine that would out perform the LX 10 which has a f1.4 lens in low light situations?

Also, the GX850 doesn't have IS, is this a problem for stills or does IS mainly benefit video?

Kyle Craven · Mar 27, 2018

The LX 100 is on my shortlist, but not sure if it will be too big for my needs

Skeeterbytes · Mar 27, 2018

Still use my GM5 when I want the smallest possible setup, or simply a small platform for various lenses. I tend to use it with the kit zoom or my primes--12/2, 20/1.7, 25/1.8, 45/1.8, 75/1.8. The 20 awkwardly extends beyond the bottom of the body--not a problem per se but considering its a "pancake" lens it's bigger than it needs to be.

Images it produces are fine and I'd still buy one today. In addition to being discreet, it's nearly inaudible. Technically, other than lack of IBIS the biggest shortcoming is the 1/500 top mechanical shutter speed. Battery life is modest and 3rd party versions are available, recommend several for travel.

Cheers,

Rick

mring1 · Mar 27, 2018

which was NOT what I expected would happen when I bought it. With the kit 12-32, you get decent ILIS, maybe two stops worth. Excellent lens, BTW. I pair mine with the 35-100/2.8, which also feels very natural.

As has been noted, it pairs great with smaller primes. I have the PL 15/1.7, P 25/1.7 and O 45/1.8. That trio serves very nicely as well.

Long story short, if you can find a GM5 for less than an arm and a leg, buy it. If you're OK with just an LCD screen, get a GM1. I don't think you're going to see another 4/3s sensored camera this small. If you need more features, get the GX85.

ahaslett · Mar 27, 2018

GM1 with 12-32 OIS kit lens

In hard case

35-100 OIS kit lens

Also goes well with Panny 20/1.7 and Samyang 7.5 fisheye.

I prefer having a pop-up flash to an EVF and the whole kit screams I'm not a photographer! Which is often useful. With the 20/1.7, IQ matches the EM1.1 with the same lens and the 12-32 is pretty useful too.

Andrew

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin

KLinLA · Mar 27, 2018

I have the GM5, as well as a Lumix ZS100/TZ100 (1 inch sensor). I use the GM5 mainly with the kit 12-32mm kit lens and the 15mm/1.7. The GM5 does give better/shallower focus depth, but IMO its not that dramatic or obvious advantafe.

Perhaps the only camera that is smallish and can give shallow depth more consistently, but at a high cost, are Sony's full frame 'compacts' RX1/RX1R. Have not looked, but maybe used RX1 prices are not far off from those of a GM5? The RX1/RX1R are a slightly, but not much, bigger than a GM5 with the 15mm/1.7 prime lens.

amipal · Mar 27, 2018

Skeeterbytes said:
Images it produces are fine and I'd still buy one today. In addition to being discreet, it's nearly inaudible. Technically, other than lack of IBIS the biggest shortcoming is the 1/500 top mechanical shutter speed. Battery life is modest and 3rd party versions are available, recommend several for travel.

The shutter is my biggest peeve too, as I always find any "jelly" effect very noticeable. Luckily for me, I only really use the GM5 indoors for quick shots of my son, so it rarely gets the full-light treatment where a faster shutter is required.

Another limitation of the shutter is that any manual lenses mounted will automatically use the E-shutter - there's no way around this.

Cheers,
Paul

JakeJY · Mar 27, 2018

amipal said:
Skeeterbytes said:

Images it produces are fine and I'd still buy one today. In addition to being discreet, it's nearly inaudible. Technically, other than lack of IBIS the biggest shortcoming is the 1/500 top mechanical shutter speed. Battery life is modest and 3rd party versions are available, recommend several for travel.

Click to expand...

The shutter is my biggest peeve too, as I always find any "jelly" effect very noticeable. Luckily for me, I only really use the GM5 indoors for quick shots of my son, so it rarely gets the full-light treatment where a faster shutter is required.

Another limitation of the shutter is that any manual lenses mounted will automatically use the E-shutter - there's no way around this.

Cheers,
Paul

ChrisFB · Mar 27, 2018

Kyle Craven said:
I'm looking for a small camera that I can fit in my jacket pocket, or a small bag. There doesn't seem to be any MFT on the market right now that are even close to the GM cameras. I think the GX850 is the smallest MFT available.

Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying? Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

I have a Canon G7X, which is pretty good in low light due to the fast lens (1.8-2.8 from wide to tele) and for portraits can provide a reasonably nice blur at 85-100mm (at FF eq FL), F2.8.

Compared to my Pany GX80 and 12-32, it will win in low light because the lens is more than a stop faster and sensor ISO diff is about a stop better on the GX80 . It will also win in the ability to blur the background, compared to the 12-32 on the GX80, because it has a much longer FL and faster lens, even if the sensor is smaller.

However, if you put a slightly larger portrait lens on the GM1/5 or GX800/GX850, such as the Oly 45/1.8 or the Pany 42.5/1.7, then you will get more shallow DOF/better background blur, easily.

Bottom line: want a one lens system that is pocketable, a 1" such as the Canon is hard to beat due to the long/fast lens. If you don't mind a fixed FL and maybe carry an additional lens, the MFT's (GX800/850 etc.) will provide the better IQ and more shallow DOF, depending on your primes, obviously.

greg 123 · Mar 27, 2018

Kyle Craven said:
I'm looking for a small camera that I can fit in my jacket pocket, or a small bag. There doesn't seem to be any MFT on the market right now that are even close to the GM cameras. I think the GX850 is the smallest MFT available.

In addition to being smaller the GM5 has a viewfinder and more functional controls than the GX850. The GM5 includes more functionality on buttons and a control wheel that push toggles between exposure compensation and aperture in the case of aperture priority. The GX850 isn't in the same league as the GM5.

Kyle Craven said:
Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying? Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

There is nothing like the GM5 in M43 available today. With jacket pocket size, viewfinder and an excellent build quality it's a gem that is worth having. Keep an eye out on ebay for one coming available. While there are often several from asian dealers for too much markup, often some come available from individual owners at a reasonable price.

svein wilhelm kristiansen · Mar 27, 2018

I have a lot of the mft-bodies. The GM-1/GM-5 is still my fovourites. With any lens! The sensor is still great, and they don’t build such small great bodies anymore; lightweight and solid!

Astrotripper · Mar 27, 2018

Kyle Craven said:
Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying?

Yes (especially GM5).

Kyle Craven said:
Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

There's nothing like those, as you mentioned. Especially like GM5.

I guess GX800 could be considered as some sort of replacement to GM1. A poorer, uglier cousin

Kyle Craven said:
I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Compared to the 12-32 kit zoom, some of them probably would. But I see the biggest strength of GM1/5 when used with small primes, which are plentiful. No 1-incher can compete with a 1.8/45, for example.

On the other hand, Oly 9-18 or Laowa 7.5 make for a nice pocketable ultra wide kit and the 35-100 and 45-175 are quite impressive telephoto options.

situman1 · Mar 27, 2018

Kyle Craven said:
I'm looking for a small camera that I can fit in my jacket pocket, or a small bag. There doesn't seem to be any MFT on the market right now that are even close to the GM cameras. I think the GX850 is the smallest MFT available.

Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying? Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

Just get the GX800/850. The EVF is practically useless on the GM5 and that's the only distinguishing feature. Sure the 800/850 is made from plastic, but it is solid as a brick with no flex. Plus you get a ton more features with better jpegs and better overall performance and thing is still tiny. Makes no sense to spend similar money on a used GM with less features and performance. The better sensor and jpegs over the GM alone is worth the upgrade. THat said I ordered a GX9 lol.

greg 123 · Mar 27, 2018

situman1 said:
Kyle Craven said:

I'm looking for a small camera that I can fit in my jacket pocket, or a small bag. There doesn't seem to be any MFT on the market right now that are even close to the GM cameras. I think the GX850 is the smallest MFT available.

Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying? Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

Click to expand...

Just get the GX800/850. The EVF is practically useless on the GM5 and that's the only distinguishing feature.

The above is a misleading oversimplification.

Most significantly the GM5 is smaller and has a much better chance of being put in a pocket than the GX850.
The GM5 has an amazingly solid build rather than plastic.
The GM5 starts up quickly like the other better quality M43 cameras compared to a somewhat slower GX850 startup time.
The GM5 has all the controls and capabilities of it's larger M43 brethren. The GX850 has limited controls most suitable for point and shoot. The GX850 has a rather pitiful control wheel that doesn't compare to the GM5s dual function wheel.
The GM5 hot shoe is much more functional than a low power built in flash without hot shoe.
An EVF is essential compared to a rear LCD that's almost useless in bright sunlight. While the GM5 EVF isn't as good as larger M43 cameras it's definitely workable.

situman1 said:
Sure the 800/850 is made from plastic, but it is solid as a brick with no flex. Plus you get a ton more features with better jpegs and better overall performance and thing is still tiny. Makes no sense to spend similar money on a used GM with less features and performance.

It depends which features are important. The GM5 exposes features that are more important to control the photographic process without going to the rear LCD. The GX850 is a good entry level camera especially for those who want more picture modes for jpeg shooting. Differences in image quality between the GM5 sensor and the GX850 are slight, where technique easily can overshadow minor sensor technology improvements. Results from a GM5 shooting raw can be as good or better than GX850 jpgs simply by exposing to the right and using good PP technique.

situman1 said:
The better sensor and jpegs over the GM alone is worth the upgrade. THat said I ordered a GX9 lol.

Agreed that the GX9 is a good choice for a larger camera. By the way, the GX9 and the GM5 have much more similar control layouts than the GX850.

situman1 · Mar 27, 2018

greg 123 said:
situman1 said:

Kyle Craven said:

I'm looking for a small camera that I can fit in my jacket pocket, or a small bag. There doesn't seem to be any MFT on the market right now that are even close to the GM cameras. I think the GX850 is the smallest MFT available.

Is the GM1 or GM5 still worth buying? Or should I go for something newer? If so, what?

I looked at 1" cameras like the LX10/15 or the G7 X II, but not sure if they'll be able to provide me with the shallow depth of field that I like. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks

Click to expand...

Just get the GX800/850. The EVF is practically useless on the GM5 and that's the only distinguishing feature.

Click to expand...

The above is a misleading oversimplification.

Most significantly the GM5 is smaller and has a much better chance of being put in a pocket than the GX850.

The GM5 has an amazingly solid build rather than plastic.

The GM5 starts up quickly like the other better quality M43 cameras compared to a somewhat slower GX850 startup time.

The GM5 has all the controls and capabilities of it's larger M43 brethren. The GX850 has limited controls most suitable for point and shoot. The GX850 has a rather pitiful control wheel that doesn't compare to the GM5s dual function wheel.

The GM5 hot shoe is much more functional than a low power built in flash without hot shoe.

An EVF is essential compared to a rear LCD that's almost useless in bright sunlight. While the GM5 EVF isn't as good as larger M43 cameras it's definitely workable.

Member said:

Sure the 800/850 is made from plastic, but it is solid as a brick with no flex. Plus you get a ton more features with better jpegs and better overall performance and thing is still tiny. Makes no sense to spend similar money on a used GM with less features and performance.

Click to expand...

It depends which features are important. The GM5 exposes features that are more important to control the photographic process without going to the rear LCD. The GX850 is a good entry level camera especially for those who want more picture modes for jpeg shooting. Differences in image quality between the GM5 sensor and the GX850 are slight, where technique easily can overshadow minor sensor technology improvements. Results from a GM5 shooting raw can be as good or better than GX850 jpgs simply by exposing to the right and using good PP technique.

Member said:

The better sensor and jpegs over the GM alone is worth the upgrade. THat said I ordered a GX9 lol.

Click to expand...

Agreed that the GX9 is a good choice for a larger camera. By the way, the GX9 and the GM5 have much more similar control layouts than the GX850.

I'm not even going to try to argue with or debate with gm fanatics. Are they great cameras, I'm sure they are, to an extent. But my point was, you get more features and newer tech in the gx. Are they useful? Depends on who you ask but the same can be said of the evf and hotshoe.

Is the GM1 (or GM5) still worth buying?

Member

Well-known member

Leading Member

Well-known member

Member

Member

Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Forum Enthusiast

Senior Member

Veteran Member

Leading Member

greg 123

Guest

Well-known member

Veteran Member

Senior Member

greg 123

Guest

Senior Member

Similar threads

Keyboard shortcuts