Panasonic GF5 vs Sony a5100

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic GF5 versus Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The GF5 was announced 3 years before the a5100 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the GF5 grades against the a5100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF5 has got physical dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has proportions of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") along with a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF5 versus Sony a5100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the GF5 compared to the a5100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and a5100 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over technical specs. The pic below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GF5 and a5100.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GF5 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony a5100 will offer you extra detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged GF5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.