Panasonic DC-GH5

The GH5 scores 82.9 out of 100 with build quality at the 97th percentile and stabilization at the 88th. Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 4K video and 60fps electronic burst are still impressive. The contrast-based autofocus is the main weakness, and prices range from USD 686 to USD 1,190, so shop carefully.

The burst rate is one of the best on the market at the 91st percentile. You get 12fps mechanical and 60fps electronic, which is plenty for wildlife or sports. The autofocus system has 225 AF points and Panasonic's DFD tech, which locks on in 0.05 seconds according to the spec sheet. But here's the catch: it's contrast-based, not phase detection. In our testing and from owner feedback, it's solid at the 84th percentile, but it hunts in low light and lags behind Sony and Canon's phase-detect systems.

The EVF is a 3.68M-dot OLED with 0.76x magnification, ranking at the 93rd percentile. That's a genuinely great viewfinder. The 3.2 inch articulating touchscreen is also strong at the 87th percentile. Video output is excellent, with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, Log profiles, and RAW video over HDMI. The sensor itself is the weak link at the 47th percentile, which means stills shooters looking for maximum dynamic range or high ISO performance will find better options elsewhere.

Against the Sony a6700, the GH5 wins on build quality and video features like 10-bit internal recording, but loses badly on autofocus. Sony's phase-detect system is just more reliable. The Fujifilm X-H2 has a higher resolution sensor and better stills performance, but costs more and doesn't match the GH5's video codec flexibility. The Canon EOS R7 has excellent autofocus and a higher burst rate, but the GH5's stabilization and weather sealing are superior. The Nikon Z8 is in a completely different price class, so it's not a fair fight. The OM System OM-1 is the closest competitor, sharing the Micro Four Thirds mount, with better autofocus but a higher price tag. For pure video value, the GH5 still holds its own.

Pricing is all over the place right now. In the US, you'll find listings from USD 686 to USD 1,190 across 3 vendors. That's a USD 504 spread, which is wild. The Newegg bundles with accessory kits are worth a look if you want extra batteries and cards thrown in. In Canada, the range is CAD 1,132 to CAD 2,119 across 2 listings, a CAD 987 gap. The cheapest US listing at USD 686 is an absolute steal for what this camera does. At the high end of USD 1,190, you're getting into territory where newer bodies start to make sense. Shop around, the price variance is significant.

The GH5 lands at 82.9 out of 100 in our database, which puts it near the top of the charts for mirrorless cameras. But the headline number is the build quality, sitting at the 97th percentile. This thing is a tank. Weather sealed, 725 grams of magnesium alloy, and owners report dragging it through rain, dust, and general abuse without a hiccup. The stabilization is also a standout at the 88th percentile, with 5 stops of IBIS that pairs with compatible lenses for Dual I.S. 2.

Video is where this camera earns its reputation. Internal 4:2:2 10-bit 4K at 24/30p, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p at 180fps for slow motion. That's a spec sheet that still holds up years after release. The 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor sits at the 47th percentile, which is about average, and low light performance isn't class-leading. But for the price these go for now, the GH5 is a ridiculous value for video shooters.

If you shoot fast action or rely on continuous autofocus for sports or wildlife, look elsewhere. The contrast-based AF system is the camera's biggest weakness, and owners consistently report it struggling in low light and fast-moving scenarios. Stills shooters who prioritize dynamic range and high ISO performance should also skip this, the sensor sits at the 47th percentile and low light performance is mediocre. Vloggers should definitely look elsewhere, the vlogging score of 66.6 out of 100 is the weakest area, with no USB-C charging and no built-in webcam function.

The GH5 is a video workhorse that refuses to die. Build quality at the 97th percentile, stabilization at the 88th, and video features that still embarrass cameras twice the price. The autofocus is the one real weakness, and it's a significant one if you shoot fast-moving subjects or rely on face tracking. But at USD 686 on the low end, this is one of the best video cameras per dollar we've ever seen. If you can live with the contrast-detect AF quirks, buy it.