Panasonic GF1 vs Sony A350

The following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic GF1 and Sony A350, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the A350 (14MP) is relatively similar but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and A350 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF1 was announced 17 months after the A350 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the GF1 matches up versus the A350 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Sony A350 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF1 has got external measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Sony A350 has sizing of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF1 and Sony A350 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the GF1 versus the A350.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF1 and A350 is 85 and 62 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The image here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the GF1 and A350.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GF1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony A350 will deliver extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher GF1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.