• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon V1 advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.8 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    34 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Nikon V1

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Higher effective ISO
    618 vs 346 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    364g vs 502g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic GF5
Kit with 14-42mm Lens
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  • Kit with 14-42mm Power Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Good image quality; Good quality lens; Full HD videos; Lightning fast AF; Fun to use.

  • Mode dial turns easily; Missing "modern" features like panorama, HDR; Somewhat heavy; Sluggish shot-to-shot cycle times; Proprietary external flash.

  • Read our Nikon V1 Review

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

  • Read our Panasonic GF5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Nikon V1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon V1 vs Olympus E-PL3

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Olympus E-PL3

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Nikon V1
Panasonic GF3X
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon V1 vs Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic GF3X

Compared to Nikon J1

Nikon V1
Nikon J1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon V1 vs Nikon J1

Panasonic GF5
Nikon J1
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Bulb shutter

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon V1
Nikon J2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon V1 vs Nikon J2

Panasonic GF5
Nikon J2
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Bulb shutter

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon V2

Nikon V1
Nikon V2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon V1 vs Nikon V2

Panasonic GF5
Nikon V2
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Nikon V2

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