Upgrade Guide
Lumix DC-G97→Lumix GH5
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The GH5 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most DC-G97 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the GH5
-
Weather sealingAdded — fully sealed body
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Burst rate12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) vs 6fps (continuous AF)
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Battery life~410 shots (CIPA) vs 300 shots (CIPA, estimated)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (20MP)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | DC-G97 | GH5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.2 | ||
| Street | -0.6 | ||
| Travel | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.6 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -1.1 | ||
| Filmmaking | +0.9 | ||
| Documentary | +0.9 | ||
| Sports & Action | +1.5 | ||
| Landscape | +0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.0 | ||
| Casual | -1.8 | ||
| Food | -0.3 | ||
| Macro | +0.9 | ||
| Architecture | -0.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.8 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | DC-G97 | GH5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £649 | £699 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2017 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | |
| Video | Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detection | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS (4-stop) | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | |
| Burst Rate | 6fps (continuous AF) | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 300 shots (CIPA, estimated) | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 530g (with battery and card) | 646g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Yes | ↑ |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | |
| Screen | Fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD (UHS-II) | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See DC-G97 and GH5 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the GH5 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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