Panasonic G5 vs Sony HX300

Lets look closer at the Panasonic G5 and Sony HX300, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the G5 (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is pretty similar but the G5 (Four Thirds) and HX300 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The G5 was released 7 months earlier than the HX300 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the G5 matches up against the HX300 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic G5 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic G5 provides physical dimensions 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 HX300 has sizing of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic G5 and Sony HX300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the G5 and the HX300.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G5 and HX300 is 74 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the G5 and HX300.

As you can see, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The G5 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX300 will deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged G5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.