The 43 Rumors website analyzed the popularity of the Panasonic LUMIX GM5 in the second-hand market.
Panasonic GM5: A Popular Camera with Soaring Value
Launched in 2014, the Panasonic GM5 was the world's smallest Micro Four Thirds camera equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) at that time. Thanks to its ultra-compact body, interchangeable lenses, and high-quality EVF, this camera was highly favored among street photographers, travelers, and fans of the Micro Four Thirds system. A few years later, its price in the second-hand market rose significantly, especially for those in rare colors.
Main Camera Specifications:
- 16-megapixel sensor
- ISO 200–25600 (standard range)
- 5.8 frames per second continuous shooting speed
- 1,166,000-dot EVF (0.92x magnification)
- No image stabilization
- Contrast autofocus
- Body dimensions: 98.5 x 59.5 x 36.1 mm
- Weight: 211 grams
- CIPA standard battery life: 220 shots
- Micro Four Thirds mount
Next, we will delve into the reasons for its soaring popularity today.
A Popular Choice in the Second-Hand Market: Panasonic "LUMIX GM5"
Currently, the most sought-after camera in the second-hand market is none other than the Panasonic "LUMIX GM5".
GM5 Historical Price Trend (2015-2025)
The overall increase is astonishing: from the lowest point (approximately $324) to the current price (approximately $594), the increase is as high as 83.33%.
After 2020, it came into focus again, mainly due to the following reasons:
- The COVID-19 pandemic made many photographers return to small and interesting cameras.
- The price of film cameras soared, making the GM5 a popular choice as a digital "vintage" camera.
- Influencers on Instagram and YouTube showcased the GM5 (especially in Japan and Europe).
- Shortage of other mini MFT cameras and lack of alternative models.
Price Increase of GM5 in Various Colors
Percentage increase in the lowest price:
- Red: +87.5%
- Black: +83.33%
- Green: +80.0%
- Blue: +71.43%
Why is the red model so popular?
The red GM5 has a limited production and was only sold in a few markets. Among Japanese collectors, its rarity is highly praised, and it is often collected as a set with straps and bags. On eBay Japan, the price of the red model is usually $150-200 higher than that of the black model.
Comparison with Price Increases of Other Popular Cameras
The most popular camera in the second-hand market currently is the Panasonic "LUMIX GM5".
GM5 Price Forecast (2025-2030)
It is expected that by 2030, the price of the black GM5 will reach approximately $750, while the red model may soar to around $900-950.
The reasons are as follows:
- Limited production, with scarcity becoming increasingly prominent.
- Sustained growth in collector demand.
- Lack of modern alternative models.
- Strong support from the Micro Four Thirds community.
Google Trends Analysis
Popular search terms include: "GM5 green", "Panasonic GM5 rare colors", "GM5 red", "GM5 with 15mm Leica", "GM5 best lens".
Main search regions: Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France.
Current GM5 Purchase Groups
- Street photographers
- Collectors of rare MFT cameras
- Travelers seeking ultra-compact equipment
- Content creators pursuing a "vintage digital" style
Reasons for GM5 Coming into Focus Again
- The world's smallest interchangeable lens camera (ILC) with a built-in EVF.
- Supports interchangeable lenses (such as Leica 15mm F1.7, Olympus 17mm F1.8).
- Compact size, can be easily put into a jacket pocket.
- Cost-effective MFT lens options.
- Excellent JPEG straight-out effect.
- Rarity in the collector market (especially red, green, and blue versions).
It is said that the second-hand price and demand of "PEN-F" will continue to rise in 2025, but Panasonic's "LUMIX GM5" is also extremely popular. Perhaps to this day, "LUMIX GM5" is still the world's smallest mirrorless camera with an EVF. At that time, it received many praises. I personally like this camera very much, so I can understand why it is popular, but I didn't expect it to be so popular. Like "PEN-F", its price seems to have started to rise steadily around the time of the pandemic. Even though it was launched 10 years ago, the price of the red model is still similar to that at the time of release. As expected, I may not be able to afford it. In addition, there are rumors that the successor "GM7" is about to be launched. It is hoped that Panasonic can launch a successor that continues the glory of GM5.
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