Panasonic GH5 vs. GH5S Camera Review

Tested's senior producer Joey Fameli tests the Panasonic GH5 and GH5S cameras! Using both of these for various video productions, Joey shows how these micro four thirds cameras perform in studio and on location, operating handheld. Here's why Joey loves using these cameras to shoot Tested videos!
Shot and edited by Joey Fameli
Panasonic GH5: $2000 (shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and... )
Panasonic Lumix GH5s: $2500 (shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and... )
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Tested is:
Adam Savage / donttrythis
Norman Chan / nchan
Simone Giertz / simonegiertz
Joey Fameli / joeyfameli
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Sean Charlesworth / cworthdynamics
Jeremy Williams / jerware
Ariel Waldman / arielwaldman
Kayte Sabicer / kaytesabicer
Bill Doran / chinbeard
Gunther Kirsch
Ryan Kiser
Set design by Danica Johnson / saysdanica
Thanks for watching!

[@tested]

Hey guys! Sorry for any confusion on the DSLR term. GH5 is a mirrorless camera -- I just have a bad habit or referring to that size and style of camera as the shorthand "DSLR". That's my bad. Sorry again for any confusion. -- Joey

[@MikeNovelli]

Tested How about that auto-focus? .... Seems like there were no negatives or cons mentioned...

[@JoeyFameli]

You know, I dont have enough point of reference for autofocus systems in general to give an informed opinion of them. I use manual focus 98% of the time for my work, not due to performance lacking, but by necessity of the work that I do. I do use the autofocus for photos and it seems to work well with this camera, but I have heard people say that the software controlling the autofocus for the video modes don't work as well as other competitor cameras.

[@hazonku]

Just have to say I absolutely LOVED that walking and talking shot from the Chewie walk! I thought it may have been planned and shot with something else. Didn't even know that was something spontaneous and shot with the GH5! Great work!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Great work here Joey! Solid conclusion. And thank you for the shout out!

[@JohnCooganPlus]

What lens did you use with the GH5 to shoot the main direct-to-camera discussion portions? The bokeh looks great and it's always been hard for me to get shallow depth of field with micro-four-thirds cameras.

[@TechLineHD]

Excellent comparison, really enjoyed the entire video!

[@shovelhedded]

Man, this is a VERY excellent video, Tested. Thanks!

[@hoblesy]

I have no idea how Joey does it, I just watched a 20 minute video comparing 2 things I have no interest in owning. A really compelling video, and a plug for his other work which I'm excited about too.

[@aka5hkumar]

Yay! A Joey video. Love these so much.

[@LindsayDaly]

Always love a good Joey video! Although I'm a bit married to Sony cameras atm, I always learn something valuable from these, especially since I'm more of an editor and know less about the tech behind the cameras themselves 😊

[@ThisisDigitalden]

fab break down without getting to far into the tech details , great presentation. thanks Adam

[@darrylsmith3102]

Great review and seriously useful info.

[@ThePoesn]

Never let Joey go. He makes tested in my opinion.

[@unfa00]

Very helpful comparison, thank you!

[@ironcrossmedia2654]

Thanks for the comparison, Joey. One question - what pieces did you use to build your shoulder rig (in video around 15:00)?

[@5chr4pn3ll]

Love your gear videos

[@Macsnapsmedia]

Thanks for this video. I bought the GH5s and i love it. I have all Canon glass and this has made me confident that getting some Lumix glass is a great option.

[@BK42Cycles]

Great review and comparison. The most impressive part is that you still having your camera after using that in Sao Paulo's streets :)

[@kevintmchugh]

Thanks for the review Joey! Are you still shooting with the FS5 for production? Mixing the FS5 and GH5/GH5s on shoots? How are you finding the matchup in post with the FS5 and GH5/GH5s?

[@eifionjones8513]

Really engaging and genuine video with super useful real world insights from someone who is clearly doing interesting work 👍

[@nathanbuckner5660]

I rarely shoot handheld. i use a zhiyun crane 2. with that being said, would you recommend the Gh5s

[@AveMcree]

great video!

[@pmconaway2861]

Thanks for the review. I really liked that you didn't recommend one or the other but stated reasons why I would pick one over the other. That was really helpful in making my decision.

[@avclubfilms]

Joey! Awesome video! I got us a GH5 at such a good price a few weeks ago. I would love to know if you're shooting 10bit and if you're transcoding or just going 8-bit for the more friendly Premiere editing? Or have you got those 10bit files working well in Premiere?

[@jeremiahrogers4301]

What settings and lens did you use for this video? My videos always come out a little grainy. Thanks!

[@alliejr]

Detailed and informative review. Great. Ignore the haters: you make your living doing photography and videography and I appreciate your insights and perspective, regardless of your vocabulary.

[@searchmedude]

A very solid review. I like the GH5 so much, it's still a beast of a camera in 2020. Earlier this year I also purchased the GH5s, and together I can cover everything. I don't think I will ever upgrade or be tempted to, I haven't even used them to their full potential either. Slid stuff

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

Love the camera talk vids with Joey. Loaded with great info.

[@panphoto]

Great video Joey! One question; on the GH-5s can you still set the Synchro Scan all the way up to 360? Typically it's default is 180. Thanks

[@sutv6754]

THANKS! I've been struggling with this decision. I'm good now.

[@colinire15]

Great video Joey. I was wondering if you'd noticed any judder when panning? I've seen it on quite a few clips from the GH5s but didn't on the ones you posted here from the GH5s but it was definitely there on the shots from your GH5..

[@PhilMao]

This sounds funny, but really digging the color grading of the ostrich / bird @ 8:46. If you don't mind me asking, did you use a lut ?

[@smoogles]

Are you using any filters on your footage (promist or stocking?), the blown out highlights are handled really well.

[@ypakabeckham]

How did you color grade this video? Any LUTs were used? Looks really pleasing

[@videographiya]

Just one question here. Did you also use Quasar Science lights for lighting up yourself in this video?

[@5chr4pn3ll]

Is there a chance you could do a short video on rendering? How to deal with compression etc, that comes with uploading to sites like youtube, and also in general how to optimize to achieve better quality. Because these videos look amazing.

[@alastairmcgibbon3692]

Awesome summary Joey from a guy that clearly loves to shoot. Thanks.

[@jefffitzgerald5396]

I love how your studio footage glows. Are you using a Pro Mist or something similar? It looks magical.

[@gopolarisstudio]

Hey good sir. Very well made video - I have a question: when you say "you won't get as good image in high ISO, low light situations"... What is the max ISO you would use when in V-Log on the GH5? Just asking because I'm actually coming from the GH5s, to the GH5 and I'm having to learn all these new limitations...I LOVE the GH5s.

[@bauerfilms4832]

What is the max useable ISO for the regular gh5 where you still have a clean image?

[@afaccon]

Does the GH5 overheats while shooting videos longer than 1 hour? Which zoom lens would you recommend for shooting indoor / low lights events where u need both wide and long range zoom?

[@Coolhand99au]

Great review mate Im in the market for one of these cameras picking which one has been difficult I think your review has made my mind up to go with the DH5 I could use a stabiliser with the GH5S but things then become bulky and long set up time which I want to avoid Thanks

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

Hey Joey, do you recommend the Panasonic GH5 or the Sony a6500 (you featured in another review)? I am mostly doing still shooting, but will need video capability from time to time. An unbiased review would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[@JasonRamasami]

Superb video

[@alexjames421]

Really interesting. I'm leaning towards the GH5 - fantastic stabilisation 👍

[@ECS352]

Joey do u still feel the same way since the BMPC4k and 6k or out?

[@R2ABoy1]

When shooting a music video which is better? Honestly I'm stuck and I need help on this decision

[@life107familyfitnessboxing8]

Great video. My choice was the GH5s which I purchased in 2018

[@canofnothing]

Glad to hear you're not afraid to use the GH5 at 3200 ISO. I shoot there all the time and find it completely fine, but I always hear people claim they'll never go over 800 and how horrible it gets after that. Of course that's dependent on the situation, but I think the camera is generally very usable up to 3200. Then again, I don't require or care about squeaky clean images.

[@MeneerToad]

If i use a gimbal does that make IBS unnecesary? I'm thinking about either buying a GH5 or a GH5s and leaning towards the GH5s but am a little nervous about it lacking the IBS, even though im getting a gimbal aswell. I hope you can help me out!

[@FKfilmphotography]

No IBIS is still important on a gimbal imo. I've done ronin s with and without IBIS and the footage is drastically different.

[@damianarmstrong2615]

Hey Adam did you see a massive difference in the colors? The GH5 is said to lean heavily to the greens and the GH5S more to the magentas which is better for skin tones. Trying to decide If I should have A GH5 and a GH5s or just two GH5s? To give you some context I shoot mostly weddings.

[@Kaptionz]

what lens did you shoot this video with?

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

Can you achieve the same stability as the gh5 on the gh5s with a gimbal?

[@sandy_vb]

What camera did you use to film yourself in this video?

[@devttyUSB0]

Nice VJO. I'm thinking about buying a good camera like this. Thanks!

[@Holtenstein]

I own both of these cameras. They both have advantages and pair quite well together. The GH5S works like two different sensors. An ISO 800 and 5000 in Vlog. In some cases, you may be at 5000 ISO with NDs. But It also has a 1.86X Crop Vs the 2X. With a Metabones SB XL, you have a 1.18X to full-frame. I also use the Anamorphic modes. The 6K is nice to have on the GH5 too. They're both quite good. And I have to agree. Buy the GH5s If you plan to make films and have time to plan the shots. IBIS is too useful to be without.

[@JamesJacksonFilmz]

Best comment I've seen here. Agree 100%. Currently I own both, but I am about to sell my GH5. But both fit different needs.

[@raksh9]

Assuming you can afford both, do you think that it is worth owning the GH5 and GH5S? I shoot docs with a lot of spontaneous mobility but also with the opportunity for planned shooting for B roll.

[@LEENER-gq5gz]

Great video! Which of these cameras is best for shooting a yoga video. I plan to set the camera on a tripod and shoot myself and one other person doing the poses in a pretty small space. Any input on what lens would be best would be helpful too! I have never owned a camera......soooooo I know nothing! Thanks!

[@glennsak]

What camera are you facing with? Love the colors.

[@RotterStudios]

great video! i have the panasonic GX85 and LOVE IT. looking for a 2nd but still not sure between GH5 or GH5s...

[@A1Bokeh]

Did you make a choice

[@RotterStudios]

Hi! Yep. I just got the GH5 2 days ago to go with my GX85.

[@A1Bokeh]

@@RotterStudios report back how you like it man! Im thinking of getting a g85 just such a good deal it seems

[@jwc4154]

I'm about to buy the GH5 S... just wondering how sharp this camera's 4K video is? Some say it is soft and not so good. I'd hate to waste such a lot of money and do not get super sharp video images. Can you help me out - how sharp is it?

[@TedTremendous]

I love videographers that do the work talk shop. Good video. GH5 is still a great workhorse that I use professionally as well.

[@EfremDuran]

Great video! I work with video and photos. I own a GH3. I’ve been struggling between the GH5 & 5s. The GH5 is my choice. Thanks!

[@vrwithfriends9764]

What settings are you using on the GH5 when setting the ISO to 3200? Personally, I would never put the ISO above 800 on the GH5 -- 1600 was borderline trash (even after some noise removal in post) when I was shooting at UHD 4K/24.

[@matthewmulholland7877]

If you are also a photographer the GH5 is a 20 megpix sensor while the GH5s only a 10 megpix sensor. Super important for me.

[@WardenmediaGames]

This one comment completely solved my query - thank you so much.

[@TheFilmmakingChannel]

Neither of these cameras are good for photography. Get a full frame camera for that.

[@WardenmediaGames]

@@TheFilmmakingChannel I run a small scale business providing both film and photography. I've been using a GH4 for 4 years and done very well with both.

[@TheFilmmakingChannel]

Warden Gaming Yes. They are capable cameras just not the absolute best for photography in my opinion. But of course the demands of your business most likely justify something like a GH4.

[@JorisMaas]

@@WardenmediaGames I still shoot with the Panasonic GH4 and I didn't feel the pressure to upgrade to GH5 until recently where I did shoot in low light more. I am thinking about upgrading to the GH5s but I am not sure whether it's a smart move (since the Sony A7III is better in low light already at a similar price and better continue AF).

[@YuStudios]

From a wedding videographer's perspective. I've shot with the gh5 for a year. I constantly run into low light issues on my 12-35 f2.8. I still want the versatility of the 12-35 and a lightweight setup since i'm always on a gimbal. (So no metabone + 18-35) The Gh5s has a 1.9x crop factor and low light capabilities. The only instance where the gh5 would be great for me is convenience. (Not having to setup gimbal just to grab some pan detail shots.) In a way, the GH5s is still kind of a run and gun if you pop it on a zhiyun crane. It's light enough to keep on the gimbal the entire day. That would be my reasoning to grab the GH5s.

[@JamesBenet]

Well done!

[@sector9films]

Joey, John is my name from Brisbane Australia, LOVED this video great explanation for new users of the gh5, Thank you so much. A couple of questions to you if I may. What lens and what iso did you use for this vlog? I guess you are a manual shooter and that you just set your focus and iso then just keep an eye on the distance between you and the subject? Lenses I have are Panasonic 12 - 35 and 14 - 24 Nikon 50mm prime Tamrom 24 -70 Tokina 80-200 Olympus 17mm 1.8 and Olympus 45mm 1.8 haven’t use all of these as yet but I don’t think I need to many more I shoot a lot of company product videos outdoors and inside the products. Video and audio using a Tascam DR 600 Mark 2 So some handheld and off a tripod and just purchased a gymbal have done some trials with it nice flowing stuff but need to keep an eye on focus. Maybe use auto focus with the gymbal what are your thoughts re focus with a gymbal?

[@andybpoole]

I'd love to see you test and review the new BlackMagic Pocket 4K and how it fares against the GH5 and competitors

[@jackzhu2443]

Question: Have you tried GH5 with a non-panasonic lens which also has its own stabilizer built-in, such as a Canon lens? and if so, will GH5 IBIS work with this Canon lens' own stabilizer and they become dual stabilized? Thanks a lot.

[@JodyBruchon]

My favorite part is at 1:25 where the Panasonic body electrocutes him and he doesn't let go because the camera is sweet and he doesn't want it to run away and marry a bar singer.

[@ESebastiaanH]

As a person that does not have a phone with two lensen under each other, what is the difference?

[@JamieClark1]

Great review Joey - I'm right in the midst of the GH5{,s} decision right now and this hit the spot. I have a stack of mft lenses that I want to keep using. I have an unrelated question though: what frames are those you're wearing? I need new eyeglasses and those frames look just right!

[@liveshotsvideoproductions]

I've had 2x GH5 in my collection for a couple of years and I've just bought a GH5S for low light purpose as I'm sick of the rendering time with noise reduction plugins. It's going to sit on my Ronin SC so I'm not worried about IBIS. The camera I pull out of the case is going to be determined by the light situation and that should be your deciding factor at the camera shop.

[@spamprotection9763]

Best lenses for vlogs like these where you might show off some stuff too?

[@ScopeDK]

What is this video filmed with?

[@SamKIA]

I sort of prefer the GH5S, the A7S II is still the king of low light but damn those low light shots with the GH5S were sexy and crisp

[@matrodmedia]

Sam KIA I ran a A7sII for a long time, I now run a standard GH5. One thing I will say about the low light between them is this: out of the box, the Sony is more sensitive, yes. However, when you add a speed booster to the mix, as the majority of us eventually do, the differences almost go away (almost). And the biggest factor... that GH5s IMAGE QUALITY. For me, I was so hyped to get better colors and skin tones when I switched from Sony to Panasonic with the GH5, but the GH5s improves in this area even more. Like quite a bit. It’s the closest mirrorless camera with image color similar to a higher end cinema camera like a Red that I’ve ever seen. And with the massive data and bitrate superiority that the GH5/s has over any of the Sony mirrorless camera codecs, the pixel quality is just plain better. Noticeably. From what I’ve seen, i believe the GH5s and the BM Pocket 4K share either similar sensors, or the same sensors, which is cool too. Maybe some engineers can do like a Magic Lantern type thing for the GH5s and get it to shoot 4K raw in short/medium length bursts. Never know...🧐

[@JorisMaas]

@@matrodmedia You shoot with a GH5 but you think the GH5s is still a better camera? Nowadays, full frame mirrorless camera's get a lot more coverage than MFT mirrorless it seems (Panasonic Lumix S1H, Sony A7III and expected A7S III, Nikon Z series). Do you think staying with MFT is future proof to invest in 2019 or should you wait a bit longer and invest in Mirrorless Full Frame camera's since they have better features (like 6K in the S1H albeit more expensive ofcourse).

[@fredio54]

Came hoping for Adam, got his pro shooter, initially disappointed, later absolutely pleased and felt privileged to get pro insights into the devices mentioned. Don't set the DSLR term and keyboard warriors telling you off for it, anyone with half a brain knew exactly what you meant. :thumbs_up:

[@markus98h66]

GH5 = have Stabilizer, cant record good in low light. GH5s = No Stabilizer, Can record low light. GH5s with Stabilizer Lense = problem fixed abit, but then again you can get Ronin-s. I pick GH5s with Stabilizer Lense and Ronin S.

[@jonasneeson2948]

mortgage required

[@mr_red13]

Would the a6400 be good for low light videos? Trying to decide between that, and the two mentioned in this vid.

[@liveshotsvideoproductions]

Ronin SC does the job (smaller model for lighter cameras)

[@Thsiscool]

@@mr_red13 What did you eventually get?

[@mr_red13]

Thsiscool since money is tight, I’m sticking with my T5i until I get the funds for another camera.

[@filipem.3845]

Great video mate! As my first camera, I think the GH5 is the better choice. Cheers!!

[@WiteXRan]

7:40 where i can find fool footage of this?

[@brucebruceish]

I'd like to see this compared to the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K when it comes out

[@JoeyFameli]

Oh it's high on my list of things to check out!

[@trakovskyfilm]

Hi Joey, Did you notice the VFR bug with the GH5S? All of the VFR footage above 60fps has this ugly horizontal noise that, in my opinion, makes the image unusable. Even my footage shot at 24P/10-bit has unpleasant digital noise . These huge flaws are being discussed on the GH5/5S FB group, but I'm surprised that they aren't being mentioned in review videos. For me, it's a deal breaker!

[@supermarioproductiions6093]

Hey, Love you videos. I use Gh5 and GH5s and Synology too. I actually built a Synology network between 4 offices in 3 states and Russia. Your input is very helpful. Can you please put all your videos into a "Joey" playlist so I can watch everything you've ever done?

[@nordfresse]

I always have the feeling that the skintones and overall color science on the gh5s is superior to the gh5. Do you find that to be true and have they improved the gh5 in that regard with recent firmware updates?

[@kendokaaa]

A few phones have sensor shift stabilization apparently. Quite an interesting subject. I didn't know almost all phones featuring OIS were just lens based

[@shaun9625]

Is that Drew Scanlon in the video? I was wondering where he went after he left Giant Bomb.

[@elijahvivio1996]

That spontaneous backward Chewbacca walk and talk is impressive stuff.

[@alexbubis3085]

Ostrichland USA and Solvang! I live right near there haha.

[@ajmfilms1057]

I have the same exact rips on the grip under the shutter button

[@zguy95135]

I think the crop factor for the GH5S is something like 1.8x right? I know people get really worked up about crop factor for some reason, even though pro Super 35 cams are all 1.6-1.8x crop anyway compared to full frame still 35mm.

[@Holtenstein]

1.86x with Metabones SB XL the crop is 1.18X. Very close to full frame.

[@DynamicLearning4u]

Great video. GH5 and combine a7iii for Low light.

[@jorgem50]

In 2019 you can get a new gh5 for $1300 brand new. Huge bang for buck at an amazing performance

[@arshadm1372]

GH5s has an overall cleaner video as compared to GH5. Considering this, do you think that GH5s can be more flexible in V-Log L and so can show more latitude to pull in color grading?

[@MichaelJohnsenOslo]

1:23 - Hey hey hey, calm down man!! That's like shaking a baby!

[@SegginsProductions]

If you can't afford a $2000 camera, then the g7 is absolutely fantastic for $600. I've had it for a while now and I love it!

[@lifethroughthelense94]

CAN ANYONE TELL ME THE NAME OF THAT GIMBAL HE SHOWS AT @14:59 Thanks brOthers -RAM

[@247.mp4]

Tilta Gravity

[@haxxy40]

What about autofocus? You didn't mention anything about that. Is it crap?

[@chadj.w.anderson5473]

DSLR stands for Delicious Super Lovely Recording - so actually you are correct Joey.

[@videophoto1436]

Where is this channel from Brazil and Cuba?

[@ChrisFanelli]

Something about Joey's last name makes me feel like I can trust him, idk what it is

[@mmoarchives2542]

one thing i've always learned when buying tech, never buy a 2nd version of a new tech, it's basically how they make extra money making the same tech $500-$1200 more expensive than it should be

[@bj0ernaa]

So, Clark Kent does camera reviews! Cool!