Panasonic GH1 vs Samsung NX5

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic GH1 and Samsung NX5, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Samsung. The image resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is fairly similar but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and NX5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GH1 was revealed 10 months prior to the NX5 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GH1 matches up against the NX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Samsung NX5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH1 offers outside dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Samsung NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH1 and Samsung NX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the GH1 vs the NX5.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the GH1 and NX5 is 81 and 80 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GH1 and NX5.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GH1 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Samsung NX5 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged GH1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.