Nikon 1 AW1 vs Panasonic G5

Following is a detailed assessment of the Nikon 1 AW1 and Panasonic G5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 1 AW1 (14MP) and the G5 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the 1 AW1 (1") and G5 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizes.

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The 1 AW1 was introduced 15 months after the G5 making them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Nikon 1 AW1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the 1 AW1 grades versus the G5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 AW1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you should think about its weight and size. The Nikon 1 AW1 enjoys physical measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") with a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G5 has specifications of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") and a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon 1 AW1 and Panasonic G5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the 1 AW1 against the G5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 AW1 and G5 is 86 and 74 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The pic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 AW1 and G5.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 AW1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic G5 will resolve extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent 1 AW1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.