Panasonic GX9 vs Sony A37

Choosing the right camera can be a formidable task, especially when faced with models that cater to different photographic philosophies and technologies. Today, I’m putting two distinct cameras head-to-head - the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9, an advanced mirrorless camera introduced in 2018, and the Sony SLT-A37, an entry-level DSLR from 2012. Drawing upon years of hands-on testing and experience, I’ll provide an in-depth comparison to help you decide which camera suits your style, needs, and budget.

Form Factor and Handling: Mirrorless Sophistication vs. DSLR Tradition

Starting with physicality, the Panasonic GX9 sports a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless body, while the Sony A37 adopts a more traditional DSLR silhouette. The GX9’s body measures roughly 124 x 72 x 47 mm and weighs about 407 grams, making it noticeably smaller and lighter than the Sony A37, which is 124 x 92 x 85mm at 506 grams.

In my tests, this translates to the GX9 being far more travel-friendly and discreet, appealing to photographers who prioritize portability or street shooting. The smaller, lighter body allows you to shoot comfortably for extended periods without fatigue. Conversely, the more substantial Sony A37 provides a commanding grip and weight distribution that some photographers - particularly those accustomed to DSLRs - may prefer for stability in handheld shooting.

Controls and User Interface: Intuitive Operation for Different Generations

Looking at the top plate and control layout, both cameras offer tilting LCD screens, though only the GX9 has a 3-inch touchscreen with 1,240k dot resolution, compared to the Sony’s smaller 2.6-inch, 230k dot non-touch display. This makes the GX9’s live view and menu navigation far more responsive and modern, a crucial advantage in fast-paced or live-view-heavy shooting scenarios.

The Sony A37, while less advanced in screen tech, features a traditional optical-like electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1,440k resolution, slightly lower than the GX9’s 2,760k dot EVF but with a very similar 100% field coverage. The Sony’s EVF magnification is marginally higher at 0.73x versus 0.7x on Panasonic, offering a slightly larger, immersive viewfinder experience, which may feel familiar to DSLR veterans. Panasonic’s control layout includes more customizable buttons, but the Sony’s simplicity might be less intimidating for beginners.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs. APS-C – What’s Right for You?

Now to the heart of image quality – the sensor. The GX9 employs a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor sized at 17.3 x 13 mm, yielding a sensor area of 224.9 mm². On the other hand, the Sony A37 houses a 16MP APS-C sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm, roughly 366.6 mm². This difference in sensor size means the Sony captures more light per pixel on average, leading to advantages in noise performance and depth of field control - traits that matter in demanding lighting or artistic bokeh applications.

In practical terms, I found the Panasonic’s sensor to be impressively clean and sharp, especially given its compact lens ecosystem of over 100 Micro Four Thirds options. It excels in delivering punchy colors and sufficient resolution for common print sizes. However, the Sony’s larger APS-C sensor pushes ahead in dynamic range (as confirmed by DxO scores: Sony’s 12.9 EV vs. Panasonic’s untested but typically lower range) and low-light ISO performance. This makes a significant difference for landscape photographers and event shooters who frequently deal with challenging light.

Display and Live View: Touch vs. No Touch

Touch interaction is an area where the GX9 clearly shines. The responsive touchscreen enables spot autofocus, menu navigation, and even post-focus selection, which lets you choose the focus point after capture - a feature not available on the Sony A37.

In contrast, the Sony’s display is not touchscreen-enabled and has a notably lower resolution. This affects the ease and accuracy when composing or confirming focus in live view mode. For photographers who prioritize speed and intuitive controls, the Panasonic’s screen is a compelling advantage, particularly for street or travel photography where quick framing adjustments are standard.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in Real World

Both cameras utilize hybrid autofocus systems with phase- and contrast-detection points, but their implementations differ significantly.

• Panasonic GX9: Boasts 49 focus points and sophisticated contrast plus phase detection. It supports continuous autofocus, face detection, and multi-area autofocus. However, Panasonic does not include animal eye AF.

• Sony A37: Offers 15 AF points with 3 cross-type sensors, phase-detection autofocus, and face detection. However, continuous tracking (AF tracking) is limited.

In burst shooting, the GX9 offers a faster continuous shooting rate of 9 fps compared to Sony’s 6 fps. In my wildlife and sports tests, the GX9’s faster burst and superior AF tracking make it better suited for action photography, enabling easier capture of fleeting moments. However, Sony’s A37 is still capable, particularly when paired with its extensive lens selection, but you may find it less forgiving in fast-moving subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Flexibility Matters

Sony’s Alpha mount benefits from a long-established history with approximately 143 lenses available, covering everything from budget primes to high-end professional glass. The Sony A37’s APS-C sensor benefits from plenty of native options and excellent third-party compatibility.

The Panasonic GX9 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, supported by 107 native lenses. While smaller than Sony’s lineup, the MFT system boasts excellent optical quality and versatility, including native image stabilization in many lenses. Its 2.1x crop factor amplifies telephoto reach, which is beneficial for wildlife shooting.

From personal experience, the choice depends heavily on your lens investment, focal length needs, and portability preferences. MFT's advantage is lightweight and compact lenses, ideal for travel; APS-C in Sony’s system tends to have larger, heavier lenses but with a greater breadth of optical choices.

Panasonic GX9 front Panasonic GX9 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Real-World Image Comparisons: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Sharpening

Actual image quality is where the rubber meets the road. Reviewing sample galleries of portrait, landscape, and street images:

• Portraits: The Sony A37’s APS-C sensor delivered smoother skin tones and more natural bokeh, with shallower depth of field possible thanks to sensor size and lens aperture selection. The Panasonic GX9’s bokeh is respectable but generally tighter due to the smaller sensor. Yet, GX9 excels in detail rendition due to slightly higher resolution and no anti-aliasing filter, giving pleasantly crisp results.

• Landscapes: The Panasonic’s 20MP resolution produces sharp, detailed landscapes with good color fidelity. But shadows tend to clip earlier compared to the Sony’s better dynamic range, especially under high contrast scenes such as sunrise or sunset. The Sony’s larger sensor better preserves highlight and shadow detail.

• Street: Thanks to the GX9’s discreet size, fast AF, and tilting touchscreen, street shots were easier to compose and execute. Shots were clean up to ISO 3200, with manageable noise and accurate color. The Sony’s larger body drew more attention but captured pleasing images in typical urban lighting, with a slight edge in high ISO noise.

Build and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. The GX9 and A37 both lack official dust or moisture resistance, meaning protective care is essential in harsh environments. The Panasonic has a more modern magnesium alloy chassis, lending it moderate sturdiness compared to Sony’s polycarbonate-heavy A37 body.

If you plan to shoot outdoors frequently or in challenging weather, neither camera is ideal for rough use. However, the lighter build of the GX9 could be easier to shield and carry during hikes or travel.

Image Stabilization: Panasonic’s 5-Axis Advantage

A tangible edge for the Panasonic GX9 is its sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization system, greatly beneficial for handheld shooting, including video and macro photography. It compensates for pitch, yaw, roll, and horizontal and vertical shifts, enabling sharper images at slower shutter speeds.

The Sony A37 uses sensor-based stabilization as well but is generally regarded as less sophisticated and effective. In practical tests, the GX9 consistently delivered steadier handheld shots, reducing blur during low-light portrait sessions or telephoto capture, a big plus for those shooting without a tripod.

Video Capabilities: 4K Flexibility vs. Full HD Legacy

Video enthusiasts will notice a significant generational gap. The Panasonic GX9 supports 4K UHD video at 30p and 24p, alongside advanced video features like 4K photo mode, which allows extraction of 8MP stills from video clips.

The Sony A37 tops out at 1080p HD video (60fps) without 4K support. It offers AVCHD and MPEG-4 recording with a microphone input - helpful for external audio capture absent on the GX9.

If video is important for your workflow, the Panasonic far outpaces the Sony in resolution and features. However, the Sony’s mic port may appeal if raw sound input is your priority, though compromising on video resolution.

Performance Summary: Key Metrics Side by Side

While the Sony offers superior battery life and a larger sensor, the Panasonic leads with more autofocus points, faster burst rates, advanced image stabilization, and superior video specs.

Photographic Genres Tested: Which Camera Excels Where?

Portrait Photography:

• Sony A37 wins for natural skin tones and creamy bokeh due to larger APS-C sensor.
• Panasonic GX9 remains competitive for detail and flexible focus options.

Landscape Photography:

• Sony A37 takes the lead with better dynamic range and shadow detail.
• Panasonic GX9 offers portability and solid color but slightly limited shadow recovery.

Wildlife Photography:

• Panasonic GX9’s faster burst and greater AF coverage provide advantage, especially when paired with long MFT lenses.

Sports Photography:

• Both limited by sensor size and speed, but GX9’s better burst rate tips scale for faster action sequences.

Street Photography:

• Panasonic GX9 favored for smaller footprint, silence, and touchscreen AF versatility.

Macro Photography:

• Panasonic GX9’s 5-axis stabilization significantly helps handheld macro shots.

Night and Astro Photography:

• Sony A37 superior low-light sensitivity and dynamic range produce cleaner high ISO images.

Video Work:

• Panasonic GX9 dominates with 4K UHD capture and creative 4K photo modes.

Travel Photography:

• Panasonic GX9 due to compact size, stabilized lenses, and connectivity.

Professional Applications:

• The Sony A37’s robust battery life and comprehensive lens mount may appeal, but its dated tech holds it back in demanding workflows.

Battery Life, Storage and Connectivity

The Sony A37 provides exceptional battery life with about 500 shots per charge under CIPA testing – advantageous for extended shoots or travel without frequent recharging. The Panasonic GX9’s battery life is notably shorter at 260 shots, a tradeoff for its more compact design and power-hungry 4K video capabilities.

Both cameras utilize a single SD card slot, with support for SDHC and SDXC standards. The GX9 supports faster UHS-I for quick write speeds, beneficial when shooting bursts or 4K video.

Wireless features differ greatly: The Panasonic GX9 integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control. The Sony A37 lacks built-in Wi-Fi but supports Eye-Fi card connectivity for wireless tethering, a now outdated solution.

Who Should Choose Which Camera? Practical Recommendations

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix GX9 if:

  • You want a compact and lightweight camera with advanced 4K video capabilities.
  • You value fast autofocus, higher FPS continuous shooting, and built-in 5-axis image stabilization.
  • You prioritize touchscreen interface and portability for travel or street photography.
  • You want access to a high-quality Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem with compact lens options.

• Choose the Sony A37 if:

  • You want a larger APS-C sensor for better low-light and dynamic range performance at a lower price.
  • Battery life is crucial for your shooting style, such as long events or exhaustive sessions.
  • You prefer an SLR-style body with a more traditional grip and viewfinder ergonomics.
  • You want access to a broad range of Sony Alpha lenses, including higher-end optics, often available used at good prices.

Closing Thoughts: A Technology Generational Gap But Still Distinct Strengths

The Panasonic Lumix GX9, with its 2018 mirrorless tech, intuition-driven design, and video prowess, represents a modern all-rounder for photographers seeking versatility in a compact package. Its strengths in stabilization, autofocus, video, and user interface make it well-suited to enthusiasts and hybrid shooters.

The Sony SLT A37, despite launching six years earlier and possessing older technology, offers a compelling entry point into DSLR photography. Its larger sensor, robust battery life, and mature lens mount create value if you mainly shoot photos and prioritize image quality in stills over video or the latest features.

Ultimately, your choice depends on what matters most to your photography style. For travel, street, and multimedia work, GX9 edges out. For photography purists seeking classic DSLR feel and better high-ISO still images at an affordable price, the Sony A37 remains relevant.

I hope this hands-on, detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision aligned with your photographic journey. If you seek more specialized insights - say wildlife autofocus performance tests or in-depth video quality comparisons - I’m happy to delve deeper. Remember, the best camera is the one you feel confident using day after day, so consider handling each body in person if possible.

Happy shooting!