Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic LX5

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic GH1 versus Panasonic LX5, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and LX5 (1/1.63") have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GH1 was released 3 years prior to the LX5 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summation of how the GH1 matches up versus the LX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH1 enjoys outer measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX5 has proportions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GH1 versus Panasonic LX5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the GH1 compared to the LX5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH1 and LX5 is 81 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at technical specs. The pic here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the GH1 and LX5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GH1 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic GH1 will give more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged GH1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.