Panasonic G2 vs Sony NEX-5

Let's take a deeper look at the Panasonic G2 and Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the G2 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very well matched but the G2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The G2 was manufactured 2 months later than the NEX-5 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summary of how the G2 scores against the NEX-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic G2 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Panasonic G2 comes with exterior measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") having a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic G2 and Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the G2 compared to the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G2 and NEX-5 is 72 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by checking specifications. The visual underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the G2 and NEX-5.

Plainly, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G2 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will give more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively.