Panasonic GF1 vs Sony A37

Here is a in depth review of the Panasonic GF1 versus Sony A37, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and A37 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and A37 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF1 was released 3 years prior to the A37 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the GF1 scores versus the A37 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Sony SLT-A37. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF1 features outside measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Sony A37 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF1 versus Sony A37 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the GF1 against the A37.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and A37 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The visual here will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF1 and A37.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF1 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A37 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.