Panasonic G10 vs Sony NEX-5

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic G10 and Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the G10 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty similar but the G10 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The G10 was announced 3 months later than the NEX-5 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the G10 scores vs the NEX-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic G10 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G10 enjoys outside dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 2.9") and a weight of 388 grams (0.86 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic G10 and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the G10 compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G10 and NEX-5 is 72 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specifications. The photograph here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the G10 and NEX-5.

To sum up, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The G10 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will offer extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.