Conclusion so far of what I've gotten with this setup.
What I like (apart from the obvious cute factor):
- amazing size even with the EVF
- EVF, not that large magnification, not that fast refresh, but personally, still very useful for bright day usage.
- much improved number of controls (dial, and buttons)compared to GM1 (with just a wee bit taller than GM1 ) but the experience of using GM5 surpasses the increase in height.
- Shutter sound is so quiet (can even turn on silent mode to completely mute the shutter)
- Improve eye sensor that's not at left edge (GX7 was), this helps doing low angle portrait mode more effectively.
- quick start up and snappy AF (as with all M43 cameras today as well)
- useful filters effects - dynamic monochrome is personal favorite
- excellent IQ and kit lens with useable high ISO shots (personally to iso3200)
What I thought can be better:
- ability to do more in camera processing of videos, there's a snap movie mode, if a stitching function can be added can have more fun with it, and straightaway post to youtube. For one who doesn't do much vid editing (and I suppose some customers that this camera is intended to cater to) will find it useful.
- touchscreen snap like Olympus m43 cameras
- tiltable screen perhaps? I'm so used to tiltable screen this days, it seems like all cameras should have one, especially if this camera is also targeting ladies, for selfie, a 180deg tilt screen would be very good. This would certainly increase the depth a bit more, but I feel is a feature that should be present.
Apart from this, this is a very fun camera to bring along for daily usage with a wonderful little kit lens, and certainly a good differentiating camera from the bulk of m43 cameras released this year (Panasonic GH4, Olympus EM10, EPL7), if you are looking at a small camera that's interchangeable with powerful IQ and able to use with the small & excellent prime lenses that m43 camp has to offer, this camera will not disappoint. If price is an issue and EVF is not necessary, GM1 is also a good alternative, albeit with lesser controls. It's quite amazing how much features Panasonic is able to pack into this little camera.