Panasonic G3 vs Sony HX9V

Here is a detailed review of the Panasonic G3 and Sony HX9V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is pretty similar but the G3 (Four Thirds) and HX9V (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G3 was brought out within a month of the HX9V which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the G3 matches up versus the HX9V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G3 has got outer dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Sony HX9V has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Panasonic G3 and Sony HX9V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the G3 and the HX9V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G3 and HX9V is 83 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing technical specs. The visual underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the G3 and HX9V.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The G3 contains the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF less difficult.