Panasonic G1 vs Sony a5100

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic G1 and Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G1 was manufactured 6 years before the a5100 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick view of how the G1 scores vs the a5100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 & Sony Alpha a5100. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic G1 Gallery & Sony a5100 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G1 has outer measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") having a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has dimensions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Panasonic G1 and Sony a5100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the G1 and the a5100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G1 and a5100 is 82 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The image underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the G1 and a5100.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The G1 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony a5100 will show more detail due to its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged G1 will be behind in sensor innovation.