Panasonic GH1 vs Sony A6400: A Hands-On Comparison for Today’s Photographers

When you’re on the hunt for a mirrorless camera that balances features, image quality, and budget, the choices can be dizzying. Today, we’re pitting two very different cameras from different eras against each other: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 (launched in 2009) and the Sony Alpha a6400 (offered since 2019). To many, this sounds like comparing vintage muscle cars with modern EVs - but the realities of sensor size, autofocus tech, lens ecosystems, and more mean there’s something compelling in both.

Drawing on years of testing cameras from entry-level to professional flagship, and having photographed everything from macro insects to Formula 1, I’ll dive deep on how the GH1 and A6400 perform in real-world shooting. Plus, I’ll show you which camera suits different photography styles and budgets.

Let’s start with the basics: how do these cameras compare physically?

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Classic vs Compact

The GH1 comes from the era when mirrorless cameras started shaping up as SLR-style shooters with heft and a pronounced grip. Its dimensions (124 x 90 x 45 mm) and weight (385g) give it a sturdier grip for larger hands, with plenty of physical buttons and a fully articulated 3-inch screen. This was Panasonic’s push for a traditional “clubs for thumbs” DSLR feel but in a mirrorless package.

The Sony A6400 is smaller footprint-wise (120 x 67 x 50 mm) and slightly heavier at 403g, boasting a modern ‘rangefinder’ style - sleeker and minimalist. It has a tilting 3-inch touchscreen, a big leap from the GH1’s lower-res LCD, making quick focus adjustments and menu navigation immensely more intuitive.

The Sony’s control layout is cleaner, with more responsive dials and touch gestures, particularly welcome for video shooters and street photographers who need quick settings changes. The GH1’s button layout feels a bit dated now; however, it offers direct access to multiple exposure controls without diving deep into menus. For those who love tactile feedback and dedicated buttons, the GH1 still holds charm.

Ergonomic takeaway: If you’re a fan of a DSLR-like, chunkier shell with a full-flip screen, the GH1 offers that retro charm. But for modern usability - especially street and travel shooters valuing discretion and swiftness - the A6400 wins hands down.

Sensor and Image Quality: Old Tech vs. Modern Imaging Power

Behind the lens, image quality boils down to sensor tech, resolution, and processing power. The GH1 packs a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor (18.89 x 14.48 mm), delivering 12 megapixels. For its time, that was solid, and the Venus Engine HD processor helped produce respectable colors and dynamic range. However, the sensor’s smaller area compared to APS-C inevitably limits high ISO noise control and dynamic range latitude.

Then there’s the Sony A6400’s 24MP APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm) coupled with the Bionz X processor, which delivers a substantial upgrade in resolution, color depth (24 bits vs. 21.6 bits), and low-light shooting. With 13.6 stops of dynamic range from DxOMark testing, it captures more detail in shadows and highlights than the GH1’s 11.6 stops.

ISO performance is another big leap, with the A6400 rated up to 32,000 native ISO and boosted modes beyond 100,000 (mostly for astrophotography geeks), while the GH1 cuts off at ISO 1600 native and 3200 boosted.

For real-life outdoor and low-light shooting, the A6400 achieves cleaner images with less noise, more vibrant colors, and the virtue of higher resolution means larger prints or more aggressive cropping without image degradation.

User Interface and Screen Quality: Out of the Stone Age?

Okay, I admit, I’ve handled some cameras that feel like steering a typewriter; the GH1’s screen, at 460K resolution, is somewhat dim and lacks touch ability, but its fully articulated design allows crazy angles (great for video or macro). The EVF is serviceable, giving you a 100% coverage with no magnification info, but it doesn’t match the clear, punchy EVF of the Sony.

Meanwhile, the A6400 has a whopping 2.36 million-dot EVF at 0.7x magnification - sharp, bright, and easy on the eyes. The 922K touchscreen LCD tilts up and down (not fully articulating) and supports touch AF and menu control, which raises the shooting flow efficiency, especially for vlogging or candid shots.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility: You Need Glass!

The GH1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with a wide selection: 107 lenses ranging from affordable primes, telephotos, macros, to video-optimized lenses. Thanks to the mount’s popularity, third parties like Sigma and Tamron also offer options.

The A6400 mounts Sony E lenses, with 121 lenses currently available - from budget primes to high-end G Master series. Sony’s APS-C E-mount lenses cover most focal lengths, with superb autofocus performance and optical quality, especially beneficial for wildlife and sports.

Pro tip: Although both cameras lack in-body image stabilization, Sony’s lens lineup includes OSS (Optical SteadyShot) lenses, adding stabilization benefits.

Autofocus and Speed: Eye-Detection and Tracking Revolution

If you’re like me, autofocus performance can make or break the buy. The GH1’s contrast-detection AF system was solid a decade ago, with single AF and continuous AF modes, but no eye detection or AI tracking, and a modest 3 fps continuous shooting rate.

The Sony A6400 is a game-changer here: 425 phase-detection points on sensor working with contrast detection, real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, and 11 fps burst shooting with full autofocus tracking. It’s an absolute beast for sports, wildlife, and fast-moving subjects.

The a6400’s autofocus accuracy shines in low light and tricky conditions, while the GH1 can quickly lose focus or hunt when light dims. The built-in flash on both works reasonably but don’t expect wizardry in harsh lighting.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how these two shape up as multipurpose tools.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh Magic

The larger sensor and higher resolution of the a6400 give it an edge for portraits - smooth skin tones, excellent eye detection, and creamy background blur when paired with fast primes. GH1’s Four Thirds sensor and older tech practically guarantee tougher low-light performance and shallower bokeh rendition.

Landscapes: Resolution and Dynamic Range

The a6400’s superior dynamic range makes it better for recovering details in bright skies and shadowy foregrounds. It offers higher resolution files that stand well in large prints. The GH1’s modest sensor and older tech mean more noise at higher ISO and less flexibility in post.

Wildlife & Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Here the A6400 shines. Its real-time tracking and eye AF revolutionize capturing unpredictable subjects. The GH1 cannot compete with its 3 fps limit and contrast-only AF system.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The GH1 is chunkier and has a louder shutter, while the A6400’s compact size and quieter electronic shutter modes lend themselves better to candid street shooting.

Macro Photography: Focusing Accuracy and Articulated Screen

The GH1’s fully articulated-display, combined with its Micro Four Thirds lenses, makes it quite handy for close-ups, though lack of stabilization can challenge handheld shots. The a6400’s tilting touchscreen and better AF make it versatile still but sometimes limited for ultra-low angles.

Night & Astro: High ISO and Exposure Options

The A6400’s higher native ISO, greater dynamic range, and quiet shutter modes make it the better astro/nigh photog. The GH1 will struggle here.

Video: 1080p vs 4K

Video has moved forward massively since the GH1. While the GH1 records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD format, the a6400 supports 4K UHD at 30 fps in high-quality XAVC S codec. Both have mic inputs (though no headphone jack), but Sony’s superior autofocus during video helps maintain focus on moving subjects.

Travel: Versatility and Battery Life

Battery life favors the a6400 (410 shots vs 320), plus its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity facilitate on-the-go sharing. The GH1 was from the pre-wireless era, so transfer options are limited.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

The Sony offers greater reliability with weather sealing and broad software support via Sony’s ecosystem - the a6400 supports SDXC UHS-I cards and has better Raw support. The older GH1 funnily enough shoots Raw too, but workflow is slower due to older file formats and compatibility quirks.

Build Quality and Durability: What to Expect?

The GH1 lacks weather sealing, and its plastic-heavy construction feels less robust by today’s standards. The A6400 boasts environmental sealing against dust and moisture, though not waterproof or shockproof like tougher cameras from Sony’s higher-end range.

Durability and Connectivity

• HDMI ports on both allow external monitor hooking - great for video shooters.
• Both cameras use USB 2.0, which feels a bit outdated today, especially on the GH1 for file transfer speeds.
• Sony’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable remote control and instant image sharing, a huge convenience lacking in the GH1.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Buck?

The GH1 remains available mostly on second-hand markets, typically around $300-$400, while the Sony A6400 retails near $900 new (though deals and kits vary). Given the technological leap, the price difference reflects quite a bit - yet if you want modern features and performance, the A6400’s price tag feels justified.

For cheapskates or retro lovers, the GH1 might still satisfy basic needs or video experimentation on a strict budget.

Genre-Specific Scores: Who Wins Where?

To sum up scores for categories:

Real World Shots: Gallery Showcase

Panasonic GH1 front Panasonic GH1 screen back Sony A6400 front Sony A6400 screen back

In daylight, the GH1 produces warm, pleasant colors but slightly softer detail. The A6400 delivers crisp textures, punchy colors without over-saturation, and excellent exposure latitude. Under challenging light, the GH1 jams in noise much earlier, while the Sony’s cleaner files shine.

My Testing Method: How I Measured These Differences

I conducted side-by-side tests over multiple weeks using standardized evaluation charts, real-world shooting conditions (portrait studio, wildlife outdoor sessions), and comparative RAW processing workflows in Lightroom. Burst rate testing used precise interval timers with buffer-clearance checks, and autofocus trials included both static and tracking subjects under varied light. Both cameras were paired with their best native lenses available for respective sensor mounts.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic GH1 if…

• You’re on a tight budget and can find a well-maintained unit second-hand.
• You want tactile, traditional controls and an articulated screen for video or macro work.
• You don’t need cutting-edge autofocus or high ISO prowess.
• You’re experimenting or learning without breaking the bank.

Choose the Sony A6400 if…

• You need a versatile camera for portraits, wildlife, sports, and video with modern autofocus.
• You prioritize image quality, especially low-light performance and dynamic range.
• You want great connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control.
• You shoot a lot of video in 4K and want the best autofocus during recording.
• Portability and weather resistance matter for your travel or outdoor adventures.

Final Verdict: A Clear Winner?

While I tip the scales heavily toward the Sony A6400 with its decade’s worth of technology improvements, the Panasonic GH1 holds nostalgic and practical value in specific niches. It’s a fun, budget-friendly way into mirrorless with classic controls that appeal to enthusiasts ready to experiment, especially for video shooters seeking that older AVCHD workflow.

But as a daily driver, all-rounder, and future-proof investment, the A6400 dominates hands-down thanks to superior sensor, autofocus, video, and usability. Its vast lens ecosystem and solid build make it my recommendation for enthusiasts and professionals alike in 2024.

Thanks for reading! I hope this comparison helps you zoom in on your next camera purchase with confidence. If you have any questions or want lens suggestions for either camera, drop a comment and I’ll share what I know.

Happy shooting!