Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here, we are contrasting the Panasonic GF3 and Sony NEX-5R, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The GF3 was unveiled 12 months earlier than the NEX-5R and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF3 matches up vs the NEX-5R with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic GF3 comes with physical dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF3 and Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the GF3 compared to the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and NEX-5R is 90 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes only by checking specifications. The image below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GF3 and NEX-5R.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF3 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5R will give extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged GF3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.