Panasonic GM5 vs Sony H20

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic GM5 versus Sony H20, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the GM5 (16MP) and H20 (10MP) and the GM5 (Four Thirds) and H20 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GM5 was introduced 5 years later than the H20 and that is quite a large difference 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 Sony H20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GM5 scores against the H20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GM5 Gallery & Sony H20 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic GM5 features outside dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony H20 has specifications of 107mm x 69mm x 47mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GM5 versus Sony H20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the GM5 compared to the H20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the GM5 and H20 is 91 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by going over specifications. The visual below may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM5 and H20.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GM5 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GM5 will deliver more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent GM5 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.