Panasonic GF8 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GF8 versus Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the GF8 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the GF8 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF8 was introduced 5 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the GF8 scores versus the NEX-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GF8 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF8 provides outside measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF8 versus Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the GF8 compared to the NEX-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF8 and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing a spec sheet. The image here should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF8 and NEX-5.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF8 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GF8 will provide extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger GF8 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.