Upgrade Guide
Lumix GH4→Lumix GH5
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the GH4. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the GH5
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Resolution20MP vs 16MP (+4MP)
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Generation3 years newer (2017 vs 2014)
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 | GH4 | GH5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.7 | ||
| Street | -0.3 | ||
| Travel | -0.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.3 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +0.3 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.2 | ||
| Documentary | +0.5 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.4 | ||
| Landscape | +0.3 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.2 | ||
| Casual | +0.1 | ||
| Food | +0.7 | ||
| Macro | +1.7 | ||
| Architecture | +0.5 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.6 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | GH4 | GH5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £149 used | £352 used | |
| Released | 2014 | 2017 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 16.05MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K/30p, C4K/24p (first consumer camera with 4K), 1080p/96fps | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face detection | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | |
| Stabilisation | None (no body IBIS) | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 7fps (AFC) | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 560g (with battery and card) | 646g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.67× magnification | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the GH5 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the GH4
Related buying guides
Camera family history