The Panasonic Lumix G5 is the fourth camera in the G-series (G4 was skipped because 4 can be read as “shi” or death in Japanese). The G5 sits between the more compact GF-series and upscale GH-series. A GH3 is expected to be released soon and the G5 hints at some of the features we may expect to see included or expanded upon in that camera.

The G5 features an updated 16MP Live MOS sensor complete with on-board digital processing. The digital processing on chip allows for better high-ISO performance, boosting maximum ISO to 12,800. Base ISO is 160.

The built-in electronic viewfinder features 1.44 million dots and has an eye sensor to activate it when the camera is placed up to the user’s face. The body also includes a function lever to control lenses with power zoom. The front of the camera is now made of aluminum instead of plastic. The shutter button has been moved forward and the grip has a more contoured shape, similar to a DSLR. The thumb rest on the back of the camera has also been improved with a rubber grip. Battery life has improved slightly from 270 to 320 shots per charge. Maximum continuous frame rate has increased from 4fps to 6fps.

The swivel and tilting 3-inch LCD touch-screen resolution has been upgraded to 920,000 dots (up from 460,000). Video codecs now include MP4 at 1080/30p in addition to AVCHD at 1080/60p.

Weight (with battery): 390g (13.97 oz)

Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.27 x 2.8 inches (120 x 83 x 71 mm)

Price (at introduction) $699.99 (body only)