Panasonic GF2 vs Sony A850

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic GF2 and Sony A850, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the GF2 (12MP) and A850 (25MP) and the GF2 (Four Thirds) and A850 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF2 was introduced 11 months after the A850 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the GF2 scores against the A850 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF2 has got physical dimensions of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) and the Sony A850 has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") along with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF2 and Sony A850 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the GF2 compared to the A850.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF2 and A850 is 88 and 54 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The picture underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GF2 and A850.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF2 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A850 will produce more detail using its extra 13 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent GF2 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.