Panasonic G5 vs Sony a5100

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic G5 and Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the G5 (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the G5 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G5 was launched 3 years earlier than the a5100 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a5100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the G5 matches up vs the a5100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and Sony Alpha a5100. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic G5 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G5 offers external measurements of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") along with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Sony a5100 has measurements of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G5 and Sony a5100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the G5 vs the a5100.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the G5 and a5100 is 74 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading through specs. The image underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the G5 and a5100.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The G5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony a5100 will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged G5 is going to be behind in sensor technology.