Panasonic GH3 vs Sony NEX-7

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic GH3 versus Sony NEX-7, both Advanced Mirrorless cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-7 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The GH3 was unveiled 10 months later than the NEX-7 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GH3 scores against the NEX-7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Sony Alpha NEX-7. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH3 provides exterior measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-7 has measurements of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH3 versus Sony NEX-7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the GH3 versus the NEX-7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and NEX-7 is 66 and 84 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The photograph here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH3 and NEX-7.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GH3 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-7 will produce more detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer GH3 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.