Panasonic GX9 vs Sony A68: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Selecting the perfect camera can be overwhelming given the variety of models available today, each targeting different users and photographic styles. Having tested both the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 and the Sony SLT-A68 extensively across genres, I aim to provide a clear, practical comparison based on real-world use and technical analysis, helping you decide which aligns best with your photographic ambitions.

Both cameras sit in intriguing spots: the GX9 is an advanced Micro Four Thirds mirrorless model known for portability and versatility, while the A68 is an entry-level DSLR-style solid performer with a larger APS-C sensor. Let’s dig into the details so you can make an informed purchase.

First Impressions: Build Quality and Handling

Panasonic GX9

With dimensions of 124 x 72 x 47mm and weighing 407g, the GX9 is compact and light. Its rangefinder-style mirrorless design contributes to nimbleness, perfect for shooters valuing portability without sacrificing control. The magnesium-alloy body feels robust, though it lacks weather sealing. The tilting 3” touchscreen is highly responsive and intuitive, complementing the refined Venus Engine processor’s quick menus.

Sony A68

The A68’s classic DSLR silhouette measures 143 x 104 x 81mm and weighs 610g - noticeably larger and heavier than the GX9. Constructed from polycarbonate and metal alloys, the grip is comfortable and secure, though it similarly misses out on weather sealing. Its smaller 2.7” tilting LCD lacks a touchscreen but features a top LCD panel for quick info glance, reflecting DSLR ergonomics.

My take: The Panasonic GX9 is a delight for travel and street photographers who prioritize ease of carry and quick operation, while the Sony A68’s bulk is justified for users wanting a more traditional DSLR feel and extensive physical controls.

Control Layout and User Interface

The GX9 incorporates illuminated buttons sparingly but benefits significantly from its touchscreen, allowing for quick AF point selection and menu navigation. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts a 2.76 million dot resolution with 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage, delivering a crisp live preview.

Sony’s A68 presents an optical-like electronic viewfinder with 1.44 million dots and 0.57x magnification. It offers more physical buttons and dedicated dials, familiar among DSLR users, but lacks touchscreen support, which may slow down some settings tweaks. Its top LCD complements the experience by displaying essential shooting info.

In practical use, the GX9’s touchscreen speeds workflow in fast-changing situations like street photography. The A68 appeals more to users who prefer tactile feedback and manual controls - a personal preference largely guided by shooting style.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core Battle

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the Sony A68 uses a 24MP APS-C CMOS (23.5 x 15.6 mm), markedly larger than Panasonic GX9’s 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm). The sensor size difference affects depth of field control, low-light performance, and overall image quality.

• The A68’s sensor area of 366.6 mm² enables superior dynamic range (13.5 EV measured) and better noise control, with DxOMark registering a color depth of 24.1 bits.
• The GX9’s smaller 224.9 mm² sensor, while competitive, does offer advantages in compact system design and faster lens compatibility.

Both support RAW shooting, offering substantial post-processing flexibility. However, the A68's higher native resolution (6000 x 4000 pixels) versus the GX9's max of 5184 x 3888 shows a slight edge for large prints or aggressive cropping.

In my testing, the GX9 produces clean, vibrant JPEGs with excellent color reproduction, thanks to the Venus Engine’s color science. Meanwhile, the A68 handles complex scenes better in shadows and highlights, revealing more detail in RAW files, especially under challenging lighting.

Display and Viewfinder: Critical Eye on Composition

The GX9’s 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,240k-dot resolution is a standout feature, supporting intuitive control such as tap-to-focus and swipe navigation. It greatly enhances shooting versatility, especially for low/high-angle compositions and vlogging.

Conversely, the A68 sports a smaller 2.7-inch 461k-dot tilting LCD without touch. While functional, it feels dated, limiting interactive control and fine composition adjustments on the fly.

Both have electronic viewfinders, but the GX9’s higher resolution EVF offers a brighter, more detailed view, critical in bright outdoor situations or macro shooting.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

• Panasonic GX9: Uses a hybrid AF system with 49 contrast and phase-detection points and advanced face/eye detection. Continuous AF works well in daylight and moderate movement but can struggle in low light or fast action scenarios.
• Sony A68: Features a robust 79-point phase-detection system with 15 cross-type sensors. Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology enables continuous phase detection during live view, bolstering tracking and speed.

In wildlife and sports trials, the A68’s autofocus showed superior tracking reliability on fast-moving subjects and better low-light focusing. The GX9 is competent but tailored more for portraits and general photography where extreme AF speed is less critical.

Panasonic GX9 front Panasonic GX9 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

Image Gallery: Diverse Use Case Samples

Both cameras excel in different contexts - the GX9 delivers punchy landscapes and smooth, creamy bokeh portraits thanks to the Micro Four Thirds lens selection (over 100 native lenses). The smaller sensor means deeper depth of field at wider apertures, which can be an advantage or limitation depending on artistic intent.

The A68’s larger sensor combined with its 1.5x crop factor yields more pronounced background separation and detail capture, benefiting wildlife and sports shooters who require reach and resolution.

Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Portrait Photography

• GX9: Excellent skin tone rendition, reliable face and eye AF, and noteworthy bokeh control with fast primes on Micro Four Thirds mount. The sensor’s depth of field is deeper, so wide-aperture lenses can feel closer to APS-C but may lack extreme background blur.
• A68: Larger APS-C sensor yields more natural subject-background separation. Autofocus excels at locking onto eyes even in challenging lighting, ideal for event portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• GX9: Dynamic range is good but limited compared to the A68. The lack of weather sealing means protection in adverse conditions is a concern. Compactness aids portability during extended hikes.
• A68: Better dynamic range and resolution capture subtle tonal gradations. However, heavier body and lens collection make it less suited for lightweight trekking.

Wildlife Photography

• GX9: Burst rate of 9 fps decent, but autofocus tracking lags behind. Micro Four Thirds lens system offers affordable telephoto options but with reach limited by 2.1x crop.
• A68: 8 fps continuous shooting with fast hybrid AF suits action shooting. Lens mount supports Sony’s extensive Alpha lenses, including fast super-telephotos.

Sports Photography

• GX9: Suitable for casual sports but AF tracking reliability and burst rate capped.
• A68: Dedicated sports shooters benefit from rapid, accurate subject tracking and better low light performance.

Street Photography

• GX9: Compact size and quiet electronic shutter mode make it stealthy and less intrusive.
• A68: Larger size and louder shutter sound are less discreet.

Macro Photography

• GX9: 5-axis in-body stabilization improves handheld close-ups, plus post-focus and focus stacking features enhance macro work.
• A68: Stabilization present but less advanced; fewer focus assist features.

Night and Astrophotography

• GX9: Max ISO of 25600 but tends toward noise at higher ISOs. Limited exposure bracketing.
• A68: Handles high ISO better due to larger sensor and cleaner signal.

Video Capabilities

• GX9: 4K video up to 30p, 4K Photo mode (extracting 8MP frames from video), offering creative flexibility.
• A68: Full HD 1080p video at 60i/30p, no 4K. Features a microphone input, beneficial for audio recording.

Travel Photography

• GX9: Lightweight, excellent battery life, user-friendly interfaces, ideal for travel photographers who prioritize gear portability.
• A68: Bulk and weight may deter on prolonged excursions but strong battery life and lens options compensate.

Professional Workflows

• Both support RAW files, eye-level electronic viewfinders, and external flash support. The GX9 offers USB 3.0 and wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) for modern workflows; the A68 uses USB 2.0 and Eye-Fi connectivity, a bit dated.

Performance Ratings by Photography Discipline

Battery Life and Storage

• Panasonic GX9: Rated for approximately 260 shots per charge. Uses SD cards supporting UHS-I for decent write speeds.
• Sony A68: Impressively rated at 510 shots per battery life with NP-FM500H battery. Supports both SD and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo.

I found the A68 more reliable for longer shoots without battery swaps, but the GX9’s USB charging offers flexibility on the road.

Connectivity and Extras

The GX9 shines here with Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing and remote control - a modern convenience missing on the A68. Both have HDMI outputs, but only the A68 includes a microphone input jack, advantageous for video creators.

The GX9’s 5-axis sensor stabilization allows sharper hand-held shots, especially with non-stabilized lenses. The A68 offers optical stabilization in select lenses only.

Overall Ratings and Value Assessment

*Prices at time of writing; may fluctuate.

Pros and Cons Summary

Panasonic GX9

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, and highly portable
• High-res EVF and responsive touchscreen
• 4K video and 4K Photo modes
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Advanced post-focus and focus stacking features
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons:

• Smaller sensor limits low-light and dynamic range performance
• Lacks weather sealing
• Moderate battery life
• Autofocus performance less reliable in fast action

Sony A68

Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor with better dynamic range and noise control
• Faster and more accurate continuous autofocus
• Longer battery life (510 shots)
• Support for broad lens lineup with excellent telephoto options
• Microphone port for improved video audio quality
• Traditional DSLR handling favored by many users

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier, less discreet for street photography
• Lower resolution LCD with no touchscreen
• No 4K video recording
• Limited wireless connectivity (Eye-Fi only)

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic GX9 if:

• You want a mirrorless system that’s ultra-portable for travel, street, and casual use
• Video and creative focus stacking/post-focus features appeal to you
• You favor a modern interface with touchscreen and wireless capabilities
• You prioritize image stabilization for handheld shooting

Choose the Sony A68 if:

• You prefer the feel and controls of a DSLR-style camera
• You demand superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance
• Your photography involves action, wildlife, or sports that need fast, reliable autofocus
• Budget is a factor and you want good value with access to extensive lenses

Final Thoughts

My extensive hands-on testing confirms both cameras can serve photographers admirably but have distinct strengths shaped by their technology. The Panasonic GX9 is a fantastic choice for photographers prioritizing mobility, video, and user-friendly interfaces. The Sony A68 suits those who lean towards traditional DSLR handling, require superior autofocus for action shots, and demand better dynamic range and ISO performance.

You can’t go wrong with either, but be sure you’re clear on your photographic priorities before investing. Consider your shooting style, preferred genres, and workflow needs when deciding. This comparison is rooted in real usage - trust that these insights come from extensive experience and thorough evaluation.

Happy shooting!

If you found this article valuable, check detailed specs and sample images linked below to deepen your research.

Panasonic GX9 front Panasonic GX9 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back