Panasonic G5 vs Sony a3500

Lets look closer at the Panasonic G5 vs Sony a3500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the G5 (16MP) and the a3500 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the G5 (Four Thirds) and a3500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The G5 was launched 20 months prior to the a3500 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the G5 scores vs the a3500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 & Sony Alpha a3500. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic G5 Gallery & Sony a3500 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G5 has got physical dimensions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") having a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) and the Sony a3500 has measurements of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic G5 vs Sony a3500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the G5 and the a3500.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the G5 and a3500 is 74 and 69 respectively.

Generally, its tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at specifications. The picture below may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the G5 and a3500.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The G5 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony a3500 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged G5 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.