Panasonic GF1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic GF1 and Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5N (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF1 was introduced 23 months earlier than the NEX-5N which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the GF1 matches up versus the NEX-5N in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF1 has got outside dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF1 and Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the GF1 versus the NEX-5N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and NEX-5N is 85 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF1 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-5N will give extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.