Panasonic GH1 vs Sony HX20V

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic GH1 and Sony HX20V, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the resolutions of the GH1 (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the GH1 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GH1 was manufactured 4 years prior to the HX20V and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a short highlight of how the GH1 matches up vs the HX20V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GH1 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH1 features exterior dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Sony HX20V has proportions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH1 and Sony HX20V in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GH1 vs the HX20V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GH1 and HX20V is 81 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH1 and HX20V.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GH1 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX20V will result in extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The older GH1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.