Panasonic G1 vs Sony NEX-5

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic G1 and Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the G1 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very similar but the G1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The G1 was brought out 16 months earlier than the NEX-5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the G1 grades against the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic G1 has got external measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic G1 and Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the G1 versus the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the G1 and NEX-5 is 82 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the G1 and NEX-5.

To sum up, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5 will deliver more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The older G1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.