Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N
91 Imaging
53 Features
62 Overall
56


89 Imaging
56 Features
69 Overall
61
Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 211g - 99 x 60 x 36mm
- Announced September 2014
- Succeeded the Panasonic GM1
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 111 x 59 x 38mm
- Introduced October 2011
- Old Model is Sony NEX-5
- Renewed by Sony NEX-5R

Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Overview
Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic GM5 versus Sony NEX-5N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively comparable but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5N (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

The GM5 was announced 2 years after the NEX-5N which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the GM5 grades against the NEX-5N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic GM5 over the Sony NEX-5N
GM5 | NEX-5N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | September 2014 | ![]() | October 2011 | More modern by 36 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 920k | Crisper screen (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5N over the Panasonic GM5
NEX-5N | GM5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Panasonic GM5 and Sony NEX-5N
GM5 | NEX-5N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM5 features exterior dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
See the Panasonic GM5 versus Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the GM5 versus the NEX-5N.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GM5 and NEX-5N is 91 and 89 respectively.

Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The picture below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM5 and NEX-5N.
As you can tell, both of these cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The GM5 has got the smaller sensor which should make achieving bokeh tougher. The newer GM5 provides an edge in sensor technology.

Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic GM5 vs Sony NEX-5N Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 | Sony Alpha NEX-5N | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Panasonic | Sony |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 | Sony Alpha NEX-5N |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2014-09-15 | 2011-10-03 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Venus Engine | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4592 x 3448 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 25600 | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Min enhanced ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Number of focus points | 23 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
Amount of lenses | 107 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 921k dots | 920k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | - | Tilt Up 80°, Down 45° TFT LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic (optional) |
Viewfinder resolution | 1,166k dots | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.46x | - |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60 seconds | 30 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/500 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Fastest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
Continuous shutter rate | 5.8fps | 10.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 12.00 m |
Flash settings | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | - | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 50p, 50i, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, AVCHD | AVCHD |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 211 gr (0.47 lb) | 269 gr (0.59 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 99 x 60 x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") | 111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 66 | 77 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.1 | 23.6 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.7 | 12.7 |
DXO Low light score | 721 | 1079 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 photographs | 460 photographs |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | DMW-BLH7 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images)) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $966 | $550 |