Panasonic launched the first mirrorless camera when it debuted the Lumix G1 back in 2008, and over the years the company has developed an extensive range of Lumix cameras, as well as travel compacts and big zoom bridge cameras. In this guide we’ll round up the best Panasonic cameras for what you want to film or photograph. But first, let’s explain the Lumix range.
Understanding the different ranges of Panasonic cameras
Panasonic has split its Lumix mirrorless cameras into four families over the years, but with the launch of its full-frame S range, there are now five.
S series cameras
The Lumix S series is Panasonic’s high-end full-frame range. Aimed at professionals, Panasonic S series cameras are bigger and feature professional specifications.
GH series cameras
At the top of the Micro Four Thirds pecking order is the Panasonic GH series, which is aimed mainly at videographers and professional photographers who shoot video. The GH cameras boast a DSLR-style body and have typically driven the market forward in terms of video specifications. GH cameras also have weather-sealed bodies.
G series cameras
The Panasonic G series cameras are the company’s mid-level range. These typically have a bigger body but are designed for speed and accurate autofocus. Thing of the G series as an economy version of the GH cameras.
GX series cameras
Panasonic introduced the GX line a few years ago, which sits somewhere between its entry-level and mid-ranges. These are more like advanced beginner cameras. They have smaller, compact bodies but usually offer some of the advanced features from Panasonic’s G and GH cameras.
GF series cameras
Panasonic’s GF series is its entry-level mirrorless range. These are small and light and aimed at people making their first leap into interchangeable lens cameras.
It’s also worth noting that in 2013 Panasonic launched the Lumix GM1, and the GM5 a year later. These were the only cameras in the GM series, however, and we’ve omitted them from this list.
LX series cameras
Panasonic’s LX range of premium compact cameras are hallmarked by larger sensors than you’d normally find in a compact camera, along with fast lenses and features from some of its higher end cameras.
The LX Series cameras offer full manual exposure and focus controls, as well as raw capture.
FZ series cameras
Panasonic’s FX series is its range of high-end bridge cameras that boast massive zoom lenses. They are about the size of a small DSLR and offer a wide range of manual controls and focus options.
As the series has evolved, Panasonic has also added extensive video options to its FZ range, such as 4K recording options and a built-in ND filter.
For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.
Best Panasonic camera under £500 / $500
As a company that has tended to push the envelope with video capability over the years, there are some great deals to be had on older Panasonic cameras in that sub-£500 / $500 price point.
Panasonic G80
The Panasonic G80 is a weather-proof DSLR-style mirrorless or compact system camera (CSC) with a 16 million pixel Four Thirds type sensor and the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. It’s aimed at enthusiast photographers and it has a fast contrast detection autofocus system.
The OLED electronic viewfinder provides a good view of the scene and the vari-angle touch-sensitive screen responds quickly to a touch. The most important settings including exposure mode, shutter speed and aperture are set via dials to make operation quick.
Noise appears is controlled well and there’s a very good level of detail and micro contrast in its images. The clever 4K Photo modes are very useful for capturing fleeting moments and the Focusing Stacking feature is useful for creating images that have wider depth of field than normal.
The G80 feels very solid and tough, and it’s weather-sealed so you can use it in the rain – as I did. The dual-dial controls are also responsive and allow you to change settings quickly with the camera held to your eye. It may not have quite the same charm as some of Olympus and Fuji’s cameras, but it has a good collection of features and generally performs well.
With a street price of around £500-600, the G80 offers a lot of spec and a robust build that should make it a serious consideration.
Panasonic GX880
If you don’t have the budget for a GH5 and if what you film or shoot isn’t all that complex, the Panasonic GX880 could be what you need.
With a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, the GX880 can record 4K video and also offers Panasonic’s 4K Photo feature.
Images are composed and reviewed on the 3-inch 1,040,000-dot screen that can be flipped up through 180 degrees for convenient selfie shooting and vlogging.
It’s a pocket-sized camera with a retractable lens, perfect for carrying anywhere you go. But importantly, its image quality is superb and has all the tools and features you need to learn – and grow – with the camera.
