Panasonic GM5 vs Panasonic SZ5

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic SZ5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Panasonic. The resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The GM5 was brought out 2 years after the SZ5 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the GM5 matches up versus the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GM5 provides outside dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic SZ5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the GM5 and the SZ5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GM5 and SZ5 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through technical specs. The picture below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GM5 and SZ5.

As you can tell, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GM5 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GM5 will give you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The newer GM5 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.