Panasonic GF8 vs Sony a5100

Below is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic GF8 versus Sony a5100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the GF8 (16MP) and a5100 (24MP) and the GF8 (Four Thirds) and a5100 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF8 was announced 19 months later than the a5100 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF8 grades vs the a5100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 and Sony Alpha a5100. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF8 Gallery and Sony a5100 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF8 enjoys exterior measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony a5100 has measurements of 110mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 283 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF8 versus Sony a5100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF8 and the a5100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GF8 and a5100 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by going over technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF8 and a5100.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF8 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony a5100 will offer you greater detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent GF8 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.