Panasonic Lumix G5 vs Sony A7R III: An Expert’s Deep Dive Into Mirrorless Excellence

Choosing a mirrorless camera can feel a lot like navigating a maze. The Panasonic Lumix G5 and Sony Alpha A7R III stand worlds apart yet share some surface similarities as interchangeable-lens mirrorless systems. Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’m here to unravel their differences and help you decide which one fits your photography DNA.

This isn’t just a spec sheet faceoff; it’s an in-depth look at real-world performance, tech nuances, and how both cameras behave behind the lens - from portraits to wildlife, landscapes to macros, video recording to professional workflows. Let’s start by sizing up these two contenders.

Getting to Know Each Contender: Size, Build, and Handling

When you pick up the Panasonic G5, you immediately notice its compact, light body - perfect for entry-level users or travelers who value portability without sacrificing much control. It weighs just 396 grams with dimensions at 120x83x71 mm, fitting nicely in one hand or a modest camera bag. The grip is modest but comfortable; this camera invites a casual, spontaneous shooting style.

In contrast, the Sony A7R III weighs significantly more at 657 grams and sits larger at 127x96x74 mm. That extra heft comes with a premium build, featuring magnesium alloy chassis and weather sealing. The Sony feels rock-solid and durable, engineered for professionals who can work in variable, sometimes harsh environments. The grip here is deeper and thoughtfully sculpted, suiting heavier lenses and prolonged shooting sessions without fatigue.

The Panasonic’s body is plastic-heavy but well-finished for its class, offering a friendly learning curve. Its smaller size is an advantage in street photography or travel where discreetness and agility matter. Meanwhile, the Sony commands respect and authority, broadcasting its pro-grade pedigree the moment you cradle it.

For ergonomics and control placement, the Panasonic G5 brings a simple, beginner-friendly layout, but the Sony’s extra dials, customizable buttons, and robust menus offer faster interaction when you need it most.

Looking at the top view, you can see how the Sony’s twin dial setup supports rapid shutter speed and exposure compensation adjustments - an essential for quick responses in dynamic shooting. The Panasonic has fewer dials, keeping control straightforward but sometimes making advanced settings a bit slower to reach.

How Their Sensors Shape Image Quality

This comparison is really a tale of two sensor philosophies. The Panasonic G5 sports a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with 16 megapixels. The Sony A7R III, on the other hand, features a full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 35.9 x 24 mm and packing a whopping 42 megapixels.

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors like Sony’s full-frame capture more light, deliver better dynamic range, and produce richer color depth - all critical for professional uses. The A7R III boasts a DxO Mark overall score of 100 versus Panasonic’s 61, highlighting a major leap in image quality potential.

Thanks to its BSI (Back-Illuminated) design, the Sony sensor excels at gathering light efficiently, outperforming the G5 dramatically in low-light noise control (DxO low-light ISO rating of 3523 vs. 618) and dynamic range (14.7 stops vs. 11.6 stops). This means night and astro shooters will get cleaner images with less postprocessing.

Panasonic includes an antialiasing filter to combat moiré - a small step to ensure sharper JPEGs at the cost of slight resolution loss - while the Sony omits this filter entirely, relying on its higher resolution and advanced processing for detail preservation.

Both cameras output in RAW, essential for those wanting full control over postproduction, but the Sony’s richer file sizes come with increased storage and processing demands.

Live View and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras offer a 3-inch LCD, but their implementations differ noticeably. Panasonic’s 920k-dot fully articulating touchscreen allows creative angles - great for video vloggers or macro shooters who need flexibility. The screen’s wide viewing angle helps under varied lighting, and the touchscreen interface provides direct focus and menu control.

Sony’s A7R III sports a higher-resolution 1440k-dot tilting touchscreen, delivering crisp detail for checking critical focus. While it lacks a fully articulating mechanism, its tilt mode suffices for most shooting modes.

On the electronic viewfinder (EVF) front, the Sony takes a commanding lead: 3.68 million dots with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification give an almost optical-quality experience, crucial for any professional retaining shot composition confidence in bright conditions. The G5’s EVF is serviceable at 1.44 million dots and 0.7x magnification but can feel a little laggy or coarse if you’re used to higher-end viewfinders.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking the Moment With Confidence

Autofocus performance is often a deal-breaker depending on your subject. Panasonic’s G5 relies on a contrast-detection only AF system with 23 points. It supports face detection and continuous AF, delivering solid results for still subjects and moderate action but struggles in fast-paced environments or low contrast.

Sony’s A7R III features a hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detection points complemented by 425 contrast-detection points - a mammoth jump in autofocus sophistication. This translates to brisk, accurate focus acquisition, superb eye AF (including animal eye AF), and reliable tracking in challenging light or with erratic subjects.

For wildlife and sports photographers, autofocus speed and tracking matter profoundly. The G5 can shoot at 6 fps with AF tracking, sufficient for casual bursts, but the Sony accelerates to 10 fps with full AF-C engagement, capturing multiple crisp frames of fast action.

Zooming In: Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both Panasonic and Sony have robust lens options, but their ecosystems target somewhat different users.

Panasonic’s G5 mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses, offering over 107 native options from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. The smaller sensor means lenses are generally more compact, and focal length multipliers make telephoto reach affordable - an advantage for wildlife or sports on a budget.

Sony’s full-frame E-mount boasts around 121 lenses, including premium G Master series optics delivering stunning sharpness and bokeh. The mount supports both full-frame and APS-C lenses, giving flexibility. However, these lenses tend to be bigger and pricier, reflecting their professional intent.

In my experience, Panasonic G5 users enjoy the convenience of lightweight travel setups, while Sony A7R III shooters benefit from best-in-class glass that extracts every iota of resolution the sensor offers.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh Magic

Portrait conditions like flattering skin rendering and shallow depth of field benefit hugely from sensor size and lens quality.

The Sony’s full-frame sensor and absence of an AA filter enable exceptional detail and creamy, nuanced bokeh - perfect for capturing personalities with separation from backgrounds. Eye detection autofocus works like a charm for tack-sharp portraits, both human and animal.

The G5 can produce pleasing portraits but relies on lens choice to compensate for its smaller sensor. Its face detection autofocus is solid for casual portraiture, but you’ll notice less creamy bokeh and a slightly more clinical feel to skin tones in comparison. If portraits are your passion, especially studio work, Sony’s A7R III is a clear winner.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photographers need sharpness, wide dynamic range, and weather-sealed bodies for outdoor demands.

Sony’s 42MP sensor resolves incredible fine detail (up to 8000x5304 pixels) with outstanding dynamic range (14.7 stops), ensuring highlight and shadow nuance in sprawling scenes. The A7R III’s sealed body also lets you shoot confidently in light rain or dusty conditions.

Panasonic’s 16MP sensor is less forgiving in tonal range and resolution but remains capable of producing great landscape images in good lighting. The G5 lacks weather sealing, so extra care is needed outdoors.

For epic mountain vistas or cityscapes slated for large prints, the Sony is the clear choice. For casual landscapes or travel snaps, the G5 still delivers satisfying results.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Burst Rates

Here, speed rules, and the Sony’s 10 fps burst rate with advanced tracking autofocus reigns.

Wildlife photographers appreciate the combination of the A7R III’s large sensor and its array of tele lenses to capture detailed shots from afar with minimal noise and rapid focus. The animal eye AF is a big help in getting precise focus on fur or feathers.

The Panasonic G5’s smaller sensor and 6 fps burst rate restrict reach and speed but enable lightweight, versatile setups that beginners or hobbyists might prefer on a budget.

Sports shooters demanding accuracy and low-light capability find the Sony’s ISO up to 32000 (expandable to 102400) and fast AF crucial under stadium lights, far outperforming the G5’s max ISO of 12800.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Agility

While size and weight make the G5 an appealing street camera, the Sony’s superior high ISO and faster autofocus give it an edge in capturing fleeting moments.

The G5’s fully articulating screen is handy for low-profile shooting angles, making it easier to shoot unobtrusively. The Sony’s tilting screen is less versatile but compensates with better EVF clarity for candid framing.

If you want a pocketable system that blends in, the G5’s smaller footprint wins. If you prioritize image quality and burst response, the Sony is the champ - even if it draws a bit more attention.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Stability

Neither camera offers dedicated focus stacking or bracketed focus, which limits macro experimentation, but focusing precision matters here.

The Sony’s hybrid autofocus handles macro slightly better due to improved detection and micro-adjustments. Moreover, its 5-axis in-body stabilization enables handheld macro with less blur.

The G5 lacks image stabilization entirely, necessitating tripods or stabilized lenses for sharp close-ups.

For dedicated macro shooters, the Sony’s IBIS and superior focusing system provide a more forgiving and creative platform.

Night and Astro: ISO Performance and Exposure Flexibility

Low-light performance is a decisive factor.

Sony’s full-frame sensor and modern processing trump the G5’s older Four Thirds sensor. The A7R III maintains low noise at high ISOs with detail retention, essential for night landscapes or astrophotography.

While the G5 can shoot up to ISO 12800, actual usable quality tends to peak much lower. Its slower autofocus in dark conditions can also be frustrating.

Sony's advanced exposure modes and support for silent electronic shutter facilitate night shooting without camera shake or noise.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Features

The Panasonic G5 records Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps with a built-in flash (novel but rarely impactful for video). It outputs through HDMI but lacks mic or headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

Sony’s A7R III supports UHD 4K at 30fps with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, delivering cinematic-quality footage. It boasts advanced codecs (XAVC-S), microphone and headphone ports, and in-body image stabilization for smooth handheld video.

If video is a major part of your workflow, Sony’s A7R III is the far better choice for professional results. The G5 fits casual video projects or hobbyists.

Travel Friendliness and Battery Life

For travel, weight and battery endurance matter.

The Panasonic G5’s compact design and 320-shot battery life keep it light and ready for day trips, though extra batteries are recommended for extended outings.

The Sony A7R III offers impressive battery life, rated at around 650 shots per charge - resulting in less swapping and downtime. Its dual card slots add redundancy crucial for pros on the move.

Both support SD cards, but the Sony also supports faster UHS-II standards, accelerating file transfer.

Pro-Level Features: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Professionals value reliability, file versatility, and workflow efficiency.

Sony’s weather sealing, dual card slots, high bit depth RAW outputs, and broad lens support make it a top-tier tool in professional studios and fieldwork. USB 3.1 ensures speedy tethering, streamlining studio shoots.

The Panasonic G5, while user-friendly, lacks weather sealing and dual card redundancy, limiting its appeal for critical assignments. USB 2.0 is slower, and limited wireless features mean more manual data transfers.

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Overall Performance Summary and Ratings

To sum up, objectively:

• The Sony A7R III leads in sensor quality, autofocus performance, build quality, video, low light, and professional features.
• The Panasonic G5 trails as a solid, affordable entry-level mirrorless option with decent image quality and portability, suited to casual use and learning photographers.

How They Excel in Different Photography Types

• Portrait: Sony excels with rich detail and eye AF, Panasonic adequate for casual portraits.
• Landscape: Sony’s resolution and dynamic range dominate.
• Wildlife/Sports: Sony’s autofocus and burst rates outperform widely.
• Street: Panasonic’s compact size may appeal, but Sony’s image quality is better.
• Macro: Sony’s IBIS and focus system preferred.
• Night: Sony is significantly better.
• Video: Sony offers professional codec, 4K, and stabilization.
• Travel: Panasonic’s size is advantageous; Sony offers better battery.
• Professional work: Sony offers must-have features for pro workflows.

Seeing Them in Action: Sample Images

Panasonic G5 front Panasonic G5 screen back Sony A7R III front Sony A7R III screen back

Here you can see how the Panasonic G5’s images maintain solid quality in good light, but the Sony A7R III delivers exquisite detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range - even in challenging lighting. Note the greater nuance and texture visible in the Sony files.

Connectivity and Storage: Staying Current

Sony pulls ahead with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, facilitating remote control and quick image sharing. The G5 offers none, demanding physical connections.

Dual SD card slots in Sony mean you can record simultaneously or back up files automatically - key for pros. The Panasonic’s single slot is less forgiving.

Price and Value: Matching Budgets to Needs

At around $700, the Panasonic G5 is an entry-level gateway into mirrorless photography - ideal for new photographers or those on budget seeking a capable system with access to a large lens lineup.

The Sony A7R III’s price (~$2800) reflects its professional class. It is an investment for those requiring top-tier image quality, speed, and pro features.

My Bottom Line: Who Should Buy Which?

If you are stepping into mirrorless photography, want lightweight gear, casual shooting with easy operation - grab the Panasonic G5. It’s friendly and versatile, perfect for learning and travel snapshots.

If you’re a serious enthusiast or professional needing edge-defining image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, weather resistance, and advanced video - invest in the Sony A7R III. It’s a powerhouse with longevity for evolving creative challenges.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these cameras depends less on specs alone and more on your photographic ambitions. The Panasonic Lumix G5 is a gateway drug into mirrorless imaging - compact and approachable. Sony’s A7R III is a precision instrument for artists demanding the best.

Having spent hours shooting side-by-side, I assure you the Sony rewards your investment with future-proof performance and creative control. But for those prioritizing portability and affordability, the Panasonic remains a compelling option in the entry-level mirrorless world.

Let me know if you want a deeper dive into any of these categories or lens recommendations for either system - I’m here to help you make the best choice for your photography journey.