Panasonic G1 vs Panasonic LX5

Below is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic G1 versus Panasonic LX5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The resolution of the G1 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the G1 (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The G1 was manufactured 3 years before the LX5 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the G1 matches up against the LX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic G1 comes with physical dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Panasonic LX5 has specifications of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G1 versus Panasonic LX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the G1 against the LX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G1 and LX5 is 82 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by checking out specifications. The graphic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the G1 and LX5.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The G1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic G1 will show greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos way more aggressively. The older G1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.