Panasonic G3 vs Sony A57

On this page, we are evaluating the Panasonic G3 versus Sony A57, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the A57 (16MP) is fairly similar but the G3 (Four Thirds) and A57 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The G3 was introduced 14 months prior to the A57 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A57 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the G3 scores against the A57 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Sony SLT-A57. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Sony A57 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G3 provides external measurements 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 A57 has dimensions of 132mm x 98mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") having a weight of 618 grams (1.36 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G3 versus Sony A57 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the G3 versus the A57.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the G3 and A57 is 83 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the G3 and A57.

Clearly, both of these cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The G3 has the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh harder. The older G3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.