Panasonic G10 vs Sony NEX-5N

The following is a detailed review of the Panasonic G10 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the G10 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the G10 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5N (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

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The G10 was manufactured 14 months earlier than the NEX-5N which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the G10 grades against the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G10 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic G10 features outside measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 388 grams (0.86 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

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

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the G10 versus the NEX-5N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the G10 and NEX-5N is 72 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over specifications. The image below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the G10 and NEX-5N.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The G10 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will deliver more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged G10 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.