Panasonic GF3 vs Sony HX5

Below, we are analyzing the Panasonic GF3 versus Sony HX5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is very close but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and HX5 (1/2.4") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The GF3 was introduced 15 months later than the HX5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the GF3 scores against the HX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF3 enjoys outside measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF3 versus Sony HX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the GF3 against the HX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and HX5 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and HX5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF3 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GF3 will result in greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images much more aggressively. The fresher GF3 will have an edge in sensor innovation.