Panasonic Lumix G100 vs Sony RX1: A Head-to-Head Camera Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When it comes to choosing a camera, clarity is king, especially when you’re faced with two very different beasts like the Panasonic Lumix G100 and the Sony Cyber-shot RX1. On paper, they couldn’t be more disparate: one an entry-level mirrorless system with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, the other a premium fixed-lens large sensor compact camera. But which one deserves a spot in your camera bag? With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing cameras in nearly every scenario imaginable, I’m throwing these two into the ring for a detailed, no-holds-barred comparison.

Buckle up - this isn’t just another spec sheet rundown. We’ll deep dive into sensor tech, autofocus quirks, ergonomics, and real-world usability across genres from portraiture to astrophotography. By the end, you’ll know exactly which camera aligns with your creative ambitions and budget. Let’s get started.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Size Does Matter (But It Depends)

Right out of the gate, the Panasonic G100 and Sony RX1 feel distinctly different. The G100 sports a traditional SLR-style mirrorless body with well-rounded grips and fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen, designed with vloggers and casual shooters in mind. Weighing in at 352 grams and measuring 116x83x54 mm, it’s compact without being ultra-tiny - perfect for travel photographers wanting flexibility without a shoulder ache.

By contrast, the Sony RX1 is a large sensor compact camera that packs a full-frame 35mm sensor into a surprisingly pocketable (but hefty) fixed-lens body. It tips the scales at 482 grams with a squat 113x65x70 mm footprint. The lack of a moving screen and a fixed 35mm f/2 lens makes it simpler yet demands more deliberation for framing and composition.

Handling the two, I found the G100’s ergonomic control layout more inviting for beginners and those who appreciate touchscreen convenience and selfie-friendly articulation. Meanwhile, the RX1’s minimalist interface and robust build embrace the essence of discrete street and travel shooting - but you miss out on touch focus and articulated screens.

If you’re after control, the G100’s tactile dials and buttons, paired with a bright electronic viewfinder boasting 0.73x magnification and 3,680-dot resolution, will please most. The RX1 relies on a combination of fixed electronic and optional optical viewfinders - no touch interface here - demanding a more deliberate, analog-style approach.

For a side-by-side glance at their top controls and build, take a peek here:

Sensor & Image Quality: Bigger Isn’t Always Better, But It Usually Helps

This is where things get juicy and distinctly separate these cameras. The Panasonic G100 uses a 20MP Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) CMOS sensor - standard fare for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless. The Sony RX1, in contrast, boasts a 24MP full-frame (35.8x23.8mm) CMOS sensor.

The sensor size difference is stark: the RX1’s sensor area is nearly four times larger at 852 mm² compared to the G100’s 225 mm², translating directly to better light gathering potential, dynamic range, and overall image fidelity.

In my testing under controlled studio and outdoor conditions, the RX1 consistently produced richer color depth and smoother tonal gradations - especially in shadow areas - due to its superior sensor technology (as corroborated by its 25.1-bit color depth and 14.3 EV dynamic range DxOMark scores). The G100 gave commendable results for an entry-level camera, with respectable color rendition and sharpness, but it simply can’t match the RX1’s impressive low-noise performance at high ISO settings (the RX1 scores a whopping 2534 in low-light ISO DxOMark vs. the G100’s untested but practically lower number).

Shoot raw files with both for maximum latitude, but the RX1’s raw files yielded more forgiving post-processing latitude - critical for demanding landscape and portrait work where highlight retention and smooth shadow transitions are priorities.

Autofocus & Shooting Experience: Fast Enough for Everyday, But Not Champions of Speed

Autofocus is often make-or-break in real-world shooting, especially for moving subjects. The G100 is equipped with a 49-point contrast-detection autofocus system. Contrast AF is generally accurate but inherently slower than phase detection AF found on many advanced mirrorless cameras. Still, in daylight and static scenarios, the G100 locks focus speedily and reliably. It supports face detection, eye detection for people (but not animals), and continuous AF modes - handy for casual portrait and video shooters.

The RX1 offers a more austere autofocus system with 25 contrast-detection points and no phase detection or eye tracking. It’s slower and less sophisticated than contemporary hybrid AF systems but still adequate for deliberate shooting of posed portraits or landscapes.

Both cameras offer manual focus, but the RX1’s large sensor and high-quality lens combo afford more precise focus control (thanks in part to focus peaking), making manual focusing a joy for portrait and macro enthusiasts wanting tactile refinement.

Continuous shooting speeds favor the G100 with a 10 fps burst rate (compared to the RX1’s modest 5 fps). That alone grants the G100 an edge for casual sports and wildlife enthusiasts, though neither is specifically designed as an action camera.

Build Quality & Weather Sealing: Modest Protection on Both Sides

Neither the Panasonic G100 nor the Sony RX1 offers comprehensive weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedization. They’re both essentially fair-weather companions for casual shooting rather than workhorses toughing it out in extreme environments.

That said, the RX1’s more metal-heavy construction gives it a slightly more premium, durable feel, while the G100 leans on polycarbonate-mixed plastics for lightness - but without sacrificing ergonomic comfort.

Those planning extensive outdoor and landscape shooting with unpredictable weather might want to consider more rugged alternatives or invest in additional protective gear. For controlled studio, city, and travel usage, both should handle everyday wear nicely.

Screen & Viewfinder: G100’s Articulated Touchscreen Shines, RX1’s Fixed Display Impresses with Sharpness

The Panasonic G100 offers a versatile 3-inch 1,840K-dot fully articulated touchscreen that flips out for vlogging and self-composition, a feature few entry-level mirrorless models boast. The touch interface is responsive and intuitive, allowing quick AF point selection and menu navigation - a big help for beginners and casual shooters.

In contrast, the Sony RX1’s 3-inch fixed Xtra FineTFT LCD carries fewer pixels at 1,229K dots and no touch capability. This might feel restrictive for users accustomed to touch-driven interfaces, but impressively the LCD delivers crisp, natural colors and sharp preview - reinforcing the RX1’s ethos of simplicity and focus.

Interestingly, the RX1 lacks an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF), though it supports an optional external one, while the G100 comes with a bright 3,680-dot EVF built-in. For bright daylight outdoor shooting, the G100’s viewfinder is often more practical.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: Fixed Lens vs. Micro Four Thirds Flexibility

One of the most fundamental differences: the RX1 has a fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar lens - a legendary optic praised for its razor-sharpness and beautiful bokeh. The simplicity is elegant; you get one high-quality prime lens optimized for the sensor. It’s ideal for street, candid, portrait, and general walk-around photography that benefits from the classic 35mm field of view.

Meanwhile, the G100's Micro Four Thirds mount opens the door to over a hundred interchangeable lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers - ranging from wide ultra-sharp manual-focused primes, fast portrait lenses, super-telephoto zooms, to macro lenses. This versatility is a huge plus for enthusiasts and professionals demanding creative freedom across genres.

From 7-14mm ultra-wide landscapes to 300mm+ telephoto wildlife shoots, the G100 can be your lens platform for diverse photography styles - although bear in mind the 2.1x crop factor means a 25mm lens shoots like ~50mm in full frame terms.

Battery Life & Storage: Decent but Not Exceptional on Both

Battery life in mirrorless and compact cameras often disappoints if you’re coming from DSLRs, and here the G100 and RX1 are fairly evenly matched. Each offers approximately 270 shots per charge under typical use, which is standard for their generation but requires carrying spare batteries for extended outings.

Storage-wise, both utilize SD card slots supporting modern UHS-I speeds, though the RX1 adds compatibility with Sony’s Memory Stick formats - a small nod to legacy users. Neither camera provides dual slots, which could be a drawback for professional workflows demanding instant backups.

Video Capabilities: G100 Steals the Show for Vlogging and Social Content Creators

If you’re considering video, prepare to be charmed by the G100’s dedicated video features. It shoots 4K 3840x1920 at 30p, with H.264 compression and AAC audio - an appealing package for YouTubers and vloggers. The fully articulated screen and microphone input port make it ideal for self-shooting and interviews.

The RX1, by comparison, remains a stills-centric camera with only full HD 1080p video capability maxing out at 60fps, no 4K, and no microphone input (it inexplicably does have a mic port but lacks headphone monitoring). Audio options are limited, and no touchscreen or modern autofocus-catering video aids exist.

In real-world terms, the G100 is tailored for hybrid shooters wanting good stills and vibrant video, while the RX1 caters to photographers put off by compromise in still image quality.

Real-World Genre Performance: Who Shines Where?

Let’s turn the magnifying glass to how these cameras perform across different photography types:

Portraits

The RX1, with its full-frame sensor and f/2 35mm Zeiss lens, delivers dreamy bokeh and beautiful skin tones, leveraging its larger sensor’s shallow depth of field and superior dynamic range. Eye detection AF (though limited) helps nail critical focus. The G100 works well for casual portraits but lacks the RX1’s magic in subject separation and highlight handling.

Landscapes

The G100’s smaller sensor and crop factor limit resolution and dynamic range, but the wide Micro Four Thirds lens lineup enables spectacular ultra-wide or telephoto shoots. RX1’s higher resolution and full-frame chip excel in detail rendition and highlight/shadow control, but the fixed 35mm field may feel restrictive. Weather sealing is absent in both, though.

Wildlife & Sports

Neither camera is an outright sports or wildlife specialist - but the G100’s faster burst rate (10fps) and more comprehensive continuous AF system give it an edge for casual action shoots. The RX1 is slower and relies more on anticipation and steady technique.

Street

The RX1’s compact, minimalist design, quiet shutter, and stellar image quality make it a classic street photography tool - discreet and portable. The G100 is a bit bulkier and less stealthy, though its articulated touchscreen and selfie features may attract social shooters.

Macro

Though neither offers dedicated macro lenses out of the box, the Micro Four Thirds mount allows the G100 to pair with affordable macro lenses for high-magnification work. The RX1’s fixed lens cannot focus extremely close, losing flexibility for dedicated macro.

Night / Astrophotography

Here, the RX1’s full-frame sensor shines, handling high ISO noise better and maintaining dynamic range in challenging low-light scenes. The G100’s smaller sensor and higher base ISO limit astro pursuits.

Video

As mentioned, the G100 is the clear winner, offering 4K, high frame rates, and good ergonomics for recording. The RX1’s video is serviceable but secondary.

Travel

Portability favors the RX1 for travelers prioritizing light gear without sacrificing image quality, but the G100 offers multi-purpose functionality and lens flexibility.

Professional Workflows

The RX1’s better color depth, larger sensor files, and Zeiss optics lean towards pro demands, though lack of weather sealing and slower autofocus speed hold it back. The G100 provides standard raw files and compatibility within Panasonic’s ecosystem but doesn't rise to pro reliability.

Connectivity, Wireless, and Other Nerdy Specs

Both cameras lack some modern bells and whistles coveted today - no GPS, limited or no Bluetooth (G100 has Bluetooth; RX1 doesn’t), no NFC, etc. The G100 offers built-in WiFi and Bluetooth with Panasonic’s app, facilitating remote control and image transfer. The RX1 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer - somewhat antiquated today.

USB connectivity caps out at USB 2.0 for both, adequate for file transfers but not speedy tethering.

Pricing & Value: A Tale of Two Budgets

The Panasonic G100 retails around $700 new, positioning it as an affordable mirrorless entry point offering solid stills and good video for enthusiasts and vloggers on a budget.

In contrast, the Sony RX1 commands a hefty $2,800 street price for its exceptional full-frame sensor, Zeiss glass, and compact design - making it a premium choice for photographers who prioritize ultimate image quality in a pocketable form and are willing to pay a steep premium.

Panasonic G100 front Panasonic G100 screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

The Final Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Vision?

So, what’s the bottom line after this deep dive? It boils down to your priorities and budget, which is always the case with gear buying but especially true here.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix G100 if:

  • You want an affordable, versatile entry into mirrorless photography.
  • Video capability matters - 4K with a selfie-friendly flip screen is a big plus.
  • You appreciate interchangeable lenses and want flexibility across genres.
  • You shoot casual wildlife, sports, vlogging, events, and general photography.
  • You need a lightweight companion with modern touchscreen usability.

• Choose the Sony RX1 if:

  • You crave supreme image quality from a large full-frame sensor in a very compact body.
  • You prioritize street, portrait, or travel photography with minimum gear fuss.
  • You want a razor-sharp Zeiss 35mm f/2 prime lens and superb low light performance.
  • Your budget tolerates a premium price for uncompromised still image quality.
  • You shoot primarily stills and don’t need advanced video specs or articulating screens.
  • You value quiet, discreet shooting with a minimalistic interface.

A Personal Note From the Field

Having used both cameras on location - the G100 in bustling city markets where quick AF, touch control, and video combined to capture lively stories, and the RX1 wandering the winding streets of old towns where its impressive sensor distilled mood lighting and facial detail with elegance - I’ve found both fulfilling different creative desires.

If you want a capable, affordable all-rounder that won’t hold you back from experimentation and hybrid shooting, the Panasonic G100 is a fantastic choice. However, if exquisite image quality wrapped in a refined, almost pocket-sized package is your holy grail - and you don’t mind sacrificing zoom and video bells - the Sony RX1 remains a compelling classic to consider.

Photography is all about choices, compromise, and personal style. With this comparison, I hope you’ve gained clarity on how these unique cameras stack up. Whichever path you take, happy shooting! Feel free to drop your questions or share stories about your experiences with these models.

Appendix: Technical Summary Table

Thank you for being a fellow photography enthusiast. May your next camera unlock countless captivating moments.