Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS M5 with EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM vs Panasonic Lumix GH5 II – Which Reigns Supreme in the World of Cameras?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between two popular contenders: the Canon EOS M5 paired with the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II. Both cameras cater to photographers and videographers seeking versatility and high-quality results, but which one emerges as the victor? Let’s explore their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon EOS M5 boasts a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, known for its impressive dynamic range and detail retention. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II, on the other hand, utilizes a 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, renowned for its low-light performance and high-resolution capabilities.
Canon EOS M5:

• Pros: Excellent dynamic range, sharp images, vibrant colors.
• Cons: Smaller sensor size compared to full-frame, limited low-light performance.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II:

• Pros: Exceptional low-light performance, high resolution, impressive detail in shadows.
• Cons: Smaller sensor size compared to APS-C, slightly less dynamic range than the Canon EOS M5.

While the Canon EOS M5 delivers stunning colors and detail in well-lit conditions, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II excels in low-light situations and offers higher resolution for capturing intricate details. The choice ultimately boils down to your shooting priorities.

Video Capabilities: A Feature-Rich Showdown

Both cameras are video powerhouses, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. The Canon EOS M5 records 4K video at 24/25/30p with the ability to capture 1080p footage at up to 60p. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II takes it a step further, recording 4K video at 60p and even offering 5.7K video recording in anamorphic mode.
Canon EOS M5:

• Pros: Excellent image stabilization, 4K video recording, good color science.
• Cons: Limited video codecs, no internal 4K 60p recording.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II:

• Pros: Internal 4K 60p recording, 5.7K anamorphic video, extensive video codecs, exceptional image stabilization.
• Cons: Limited dynamic range in video compared to stills.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II emerges as the clear winner in the video department, offering higher frame rates, anamorphic video recording, and a wider range of video codecs. However, the Canon EOS M5 still holds its own with good image stabilization and a pleasing color science.

Autofocus: Tracking Accuracy and Speed

Autofocus performance is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects, and both cameras deliver impressive results. The Canon EOS M5 utilizes a hybrid autofocus system with 45 cross-type AF points, while the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II boasts a contrast-detection autofocus system with 225 focus points.
Canon EOS M5:

• Pros: Fast and accurate autofocus, good subject tracking.
• Cons: Can struggle with low-light focus, limited continuous autofocus performance.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II:

• Pros: Excellent autofocus accuracy, impressive subject tracking, reliable low-light performance.
• Cons: Slower continuous autofocus compared to the Canon EOS M5.

Both cameras offer reliable autofocus, but the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II stands out with its superior subject tracking and low-light performance. However, the Canon EOS M5 excels in continuous autofocus speed, making it a better choice for fast-paced photography.

Ergonomics and Design: A Matter of Preference

The Canon EOS M5 and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II offer distinct designs and ergonomics. The Canon EOS M5 features a more traditional DSLR-like design with a dedicated viewfinder and a comfortable grip, while the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II boasts a compact and lightweight body with a tilting touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder.
Canon EOS M5:

• Pros: Comfortable grip, dedicated viewfinder, intuitive controls.
• Cons: Larger and heavier than the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II:

• Pros: Compact and lightweight, versatile touchscreen, weather-sealed body.
• Cons: Smaller grip, less intuitive controls compared to the Canon EOS M5.

The choice between the two cameras ultimately depends on your shooting style and personal preferences. If you prioritize comfort and a familiar DSLR-like feel, the Canon EOS M5 might be the better option. However, if portability and a more compact design are your priorities, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II will appeal to you.

Lens Selection: A World of Options

The Canon EOS M5 benefits from the Canon EF-M lens system, which offers a variety of lenses for different photographic needs. The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens included in our comparison provides a versatile zoom range, perfect for travel and everyday photography.
Canon EOS M5:

• Pros: Wide range of EF-M lenses available, good quality optics.
• Cons: Limited selection compared to Canon’s EF lens system.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II:

• Pros: Extensive Micro Four Thirds lens selection, excellent quality lenses from various manufacturers.
• Cons: Limited availability of native Panasonic lenses compared to other Micro Four Thirds brands.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II benefits from the vast Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, offering a wider range of choices from various manufacturers. However, the Canon EOS M5 still provides a good selection of EF-M lenses for most photographic needs.

Recommendations: The Camera That Suits Your Needs

Choosing between the Canon EOS M5 Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II boils down to your individual preferences and shooting priorities. The Canon EOS M5 excels in image quality, autofocus speed, and ergonomics, making it a great choice for photographers who prioritize a comfortable shooting experience and high-quality stills. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II, on the other hand, shines in low-light performance, video capabilities, and lens selection, making it a versatile option for photographers and videographers seeking a compact and feature-rich camera.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Canon EOS M5 might be slightly easier to learn due to its more traditional DSLR-like design and intuitive controls.
Q: Which camera is better for videographers?
A: The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is the clear winner for videographers, offering higher frame rates, anamorphic video recording, and a wider range of video codecs.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II excels in low-light performance due to its larger sensor size and advanced noise reduction capabilities.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: Both cameras are excellent for travel photography. The Canon EOS M5 offers a comfortable grip and a dedicated viewfinder, while the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is more compact and lightweight.
Q: Which camera offers better value for money?
A: The Canon EOS M5 offers more value for money, especially when considering the included EF-M 18-150mm lens. However, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II provides more advanced features and a wider lens selection, justifying its higher price point.