Upgrade Guide
Lumix GM5→Lumix G97
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The G97 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most GM5 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the G97
-
Resolution20MP vs 16MP (+4MP)
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Battery life300 shots (CIPA, estimated) vs ~210 shots (CIPA)
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Generation10 years newer (2024 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 | GM5 | G97 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.7 | ||
| Street | -1.5 | ||
| Travel | -1.2 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.8 | ||
| Documentary | +1.5 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.3 | ||
| Landscape | +0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.4 | ||
| Casual | +1.2 | ||
| Food | +1.8 | ||
| Macro | +2.1 | ||
| Architecture | +1.2 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.8 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Filmmaking | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | GM5 | G97 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £627 used | £649 | |
| Released | 2014 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/60 | Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed | |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF; face/eye detection, 23-area, touch AF | Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detection | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based O.I.S.) | 5-axis IBIS (4-stop) | |
| Burst Rate | 5.8fps (5fps with continuous AF) | 6fps (continuous AF) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~210 shots (CIPA) | 300 shots (CIPA, estimated) | ↑ |
| Weight | 211g (with battery) | 530g (with battery and card) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 1.17M dots (field-sequential) | EVF, 2.36M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed 16:9 touchscreen | Fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD (UHS-II) |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G97 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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