Panasonic GM5 vs Sony a3500

The following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic GM5 versus Sony a3500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the a3500 (20MP) is very comparable but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and a3500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The GM5 was brought out 6 months after the a3500 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GM5 matches up against the a3500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Sony Alpha a3500. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GM5 provides external dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony a3500 has sizing of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GM5 versus Sony a3500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the GM5 against the a3500.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the GM5 and a3500 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions purely by seeing specs. The picture below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GM5 and a3500.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GM5 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony a3500 will show more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a bit more aggressively.