Panasonic G9 vs Sony NEX-5

Let's look much closer at the Panasonic G9 versus Sony NEX-5, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the G9 (20MP) and NEX-5 (14MP) and the G9 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The G9 was introduced 7 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the G9 matches up against the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic G9 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G9 has outside dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") having a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic G9 versus Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the G9 versus the NEX-5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G9 and NEX-5 is 62 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by looking through specifications. The visual underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the G9 and NEX-5.

Plainly, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The G9 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic G9 will result in extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots more aggressively. The more recent G9 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.