Panasonic GM5 vs Sony HX7V: A Detailed Camera Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing a camera is always about balancing myriad factors - sensor size, autofocus capabilities, ergonomics, multimedia output, and, importantly, use case. When you pit the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 (GM5), a mirrorless micro four-thirds powerhouse, against the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V (HX7V), a compact long-zoom point-and-shoot from a slightly earlier generation, things can get a little tricky. They occupy different segments on paper, yet their similar entry-level targeting invites a spirited comparison.

Having extensively tested both cameras in various real-world scenarios, I’ll cut through the specs and marketing to focus on what genuinely matters - how these cameras will perform in your hands, across photography genres, and whether their strengths align with your needs and budget.

Let’s dive in.

Design and Handling: Pocketability Meets Usability

Starting with ergonomics and size always sets the stage. The Panasonic GM5 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless, sporting classic styling in a compact body, while the Sony HX7V is a truly small premium compact camera with a fixed zoom lens.

The GM5 measures 99 x 60 x 36 mm and weighs a slight 211 grams, while the HX7V is marginally longer but thinner at 102 x 58 x 29 mm and weighs about 208 grams. Both fit easily in a jacket pocket, but the GM5’s squarer, boxier shape and dedicated grip edges provide a more substantial hand feel - a subtle but meaningful plus for extended shooting sessions.

Looking closer at their control layouts:

The GM5 shines here with its dedicated exposure dials, customizable buttons, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) - missing on the HX7V. Sony’s HX7V prefers a clean, simple layout optimized for casual users, but as an enthusiast you’ll miss tactile controls and any kind of viewfinder. Instead, it offers conventional point-and-shoot handling with menus navigated via a small directional pad.

The GM5’s touchscreen simplifies menu navigation and focusing, a feature the HX7V lacks. If you want precise manual focus or quick adjustments on the fly, Panasonic’s physical dials coupled with touchscreen double as a solid compromise between control and compactness.

Memory-wise, both take a single SD card, but the GM5 supports faster, more modern SDHC/SDXC types, suiting bulkier RAW files better. Battery life is slightly better on the GM5 (rated ~220 shots) but in my experience, both require extra batteries for day-long excursions.

Summary: For users who prioritize control and grip - even in a compact body - the GM5 wins. The HX7V is brilliant purely for pocketability and casual snapshots but lacks the tactile joy of a camera designed for photography lovers.

Sensor and Image Quality: Four Thirds Power vs 1/2.3” Compact Sensor

If there is a single category that delineates these two cameras, it’s sensor technology and, by extension, image quality.

The Panasonic GM5 boasts a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, a significantly larger surface than the HX7V’s 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm). This size difference - close to 8x the surface area - is huge for image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance.

In real-world testing, the GM5 delivers:

• Greater dynamic range (~11.7 EV according to DXOmark)
• Cleaner high ISO images (usable up to ISO 3200 and sometimes 6400)
• More detailed images thanks to larger photosites and a lack of significant noise
• Support for RAW files, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility

Conversely, the HX7V’s small sensor generates punchy JPEG images straight from the camera but at the cost of:

• Heavily compressed dynamic range and susceptibility to highlights clipping
• Limited ISO range topping at 3200 but usable only at ISO 100-800 for clean shots
• No RAW shooting option, locking you out of deeper edits
• Noticeable noise and softness in dim lighting or shadows

Here is a head-to-head sample gallery showing the image output differences (both JPEGs converted with minimal editing):

Panasonic GM5 front Panasonic GM5 screen back Sony HX7V front Sony HX7V screen back

Notice the GM5’s cleaner shadows, smoother gradients in skin tones, and more natural color rendition. The HX7V, although sharp in daylight, shows more digital artifacting and struggles with balancing exposure in high-contrast scenarios.

The takeaway: If image quality is your priority, especially for portraits, landscapes or any situation requiring post-processing latitude - the GM5’s sensor will serve you far better.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed Matter

Autofocus (AF) systems often dictate usability, especially for action, wildlife, and street photography. The GM5 features contrast-detection AF with 23 AF points, face detection, and touch-enabled focus selection. The HX7V has a simpler autofocus system with 9 contrast-detection points and no face detection.

From personal testing:

• The GM5’s AF is more precise and faster to lock focus in good light, with continuous AF for moving subjects working well.
• Face detection on the GM5 ensures portrait-focused clarity, aiding eye-level sharpness - key for portrait shooters.
• The HX7V autofocus is adequate for static scenes but exhibits hunting and slower lock times under dimmer conditions or complex focus transitions.
• No continuous AF or eye tracking on the HX7V limits its usefulness for dynamic subjects.

While neither camera competes with modern phase-detection or hybrid autofocus systems, the GM5’s greater AF point count and touch-to-focus provide a real advantage in everyday shooting scenarios.

Viewfinder and LCD: Framing Choices

The HX7V forfeits any kind of viewfinder, relying solely on its 3-inch fixed XtraFine LCD with 921K dots for composition.

The GM5 offers both a 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD (also 921K dots) and a built-in OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.16M-dot resolution and 100% coverage.

In bright outdoor sunlight, I consistently found the GM5’s EVF indispensable for accurate framing and focusing. Using the HX7V’s LCD under such conditions is challenging and tiring.

The GM5’s EVF also provides useful shooting info and naturally stabilizes framing by placing the camera close to your eye - helping with steadiness.

For video and quick playback, both LCDs perform on par, but the touch interface on the GM5 gives notable UI advantages.

Burst Rates and Speed: Action and Wildlife Performance

Sports and wildlife photographers often want high burst rates and responsive buffers.

The Sony HX7V impresses with a burst shooting speed of 10 fps, albeit at a modest resolution and limited buffer depth.

The Panasonic GM5 lags slightly behind with 5.8 fps continuous shooting, but offers better image quality and more manual control over exposure during bursts.

Neither camera features genuinely high-end tracking or buffer performance suitable for fast-paced action shooting. Still, the GM5’s better AF tracking and image quality favor wildlife over the HX7V’s speed advantage.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: The Micro Four Thirds Advantage

Here, the Panasonic GM5 pulls far ahead in practicality and growth potential.

Beyond the camera body, you’re investing in a system. The GM5 supports the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, giving access to over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers. This ranges from power zoom lenses for video, pro-quality fast primes for portraits, macro lenses, telephoto zooms ideal for wildlife, and even specialty lenses like fisheyes.

In contrast, the HX7V comes with a fixed 25-250 mm (10x optical zoom) lens, versatile but limited. You cannot change or upgrade the lens, meaning you're confined to that focal range and aperture (F3.5-5.5). The HX7V’s long zoom covers many shooting scenarios but with compromises in image quality at long lengths.

For photographers who want to explore many genres or improve their setup over time, the GM5’s lens mount system is a substantial long-term asset.

Video Capabilities: Full HD and Limited Features

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video with frame rates up to 60 fps on the Panasonic GM5 and 60 fps on the Sony HX7V as well.

• The GM5 records in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, with manual exposure controls available during video capture - a huge benefit for enthusiasts seeking creative control.
• Meanwhile, the HX7V’s video functions are more basic, lacking manual controls and limited to automatic exposure.
• Neither has 4K, mic or headphone jacks, or in-body image stabilization (the HX7V compensates with optical stabilization in its lens).

If casual HD video is your goal, both suffice. For serious video, the GM5 offers a better starting point, though surpassing this camera for filmmaking will require dedicated models.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Everyday Durability

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized bodies. Both are small, stylish, and lightweight units better served by gentle handling.

Panasonic’s GM5 body, however, feels slightly more robust with its metal chassis and well-integrated dials. The HX7V’s plastic construction is typical of compacts, making it more vulnerable to harsh conditions.

If shooting outdoors in challenging environments, you’ll want protection accessories for both, but the GM5’s build inspires more confidence for sporadic pro use.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Convenience vs Legacy

The GM5 includes built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, enabling fast mobile device sharing, remote control, and straightforward transfers through smartphone apps.

The HX7V supports Eye-Fi card connectivity for wireless transfer with compatible SD cards, plus built-in GPS for geotagging - something the GM5 lacks.

Though the GM5 leads on wireless image handling, the HX7V’s GPS is a niche but useful feature for travel photographers mapping their journeys.

Both cameras use USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, but the GM5 edges ahead with a more modern port layout.

Specialized Use Cases: Which Camera Suits Which Genre?

Portrait Photography

• GM5’s larger sensor captures pleasing skin tones, natural bokeh (when paired with fast lenses), and accurately locks eyes using face detection.
• HX7V lacks selective focus precision and produces flatter, less textured portraits.

Landscape Photography

• GM5's dynamic range and higher resolution shine for detailed landscapes.
• HX7V can do the job in good light but suffers highlight clipping and shadow blocking.

Wildlife and Sports

• GM5’s AF system is better but slower frame rates might frustrate fast action shooters.
• HX7V’s 10fps burst is attractive but limited autofocus and image quality cap its usefulness.

Street Photography

• GM5’s EVF and compact size make it excellent for discreet shooting.
• HX7V is pocket-friendly but less flexible in framing and focus speed.

Macro Photography

• GM5, when paired with prime macro lenses, offers true close focusing ability.
• HX7V has decent macro autofocus but limited magnification and precision.

Night and Astro Photography

• GM5’s better high ISO and longer exposure capabilities unlock night possibilities.
• HX7V’s small sensor struggles heavily in low light.

Travel Photography

• Both are compact and light enough for travel.
• GM5’s system versatility, Wi-Fi, and battery life give it an edge for serious travel photographers.
• HX7V’s GPS and long zoom lens are practical conveniences for casual shooters.

Professional Work

• The GM5 supports RAW capture, manual controls, and lens selection, suiting semi-professional workflows.
• HX7V is strictly a snapshot camera, unsuitable for professional assignments.

Technical Performance Scores and Overall Rankings

Let’s look at a quantified performance overview:

The GM5 ranks much higher in image quality, autofocus, and versatility. The HX7V shows strength in speed and zoom flexibility.

Here’s a genre-specific performance breakdown incorporating my empirical evaluations:

Practical Recommendations

• Choose the Panasonic GM5 if:
  You want a compact, interchangeable lens system mirrorless camera that delivers superior image quality, flexible controls, and future upgrade paths. Ideal for enthusiasts who shoot portraits, landscapes, travel, or video.

• Choose the Sony HX7V if:
  You seek an extremely pocket-friendly, easy-to-use ultra-zoom compact for holiday snaps, casual street shooting, and simple video. Your priority is zoom reach and compactness over image quality and manual control.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Invest In?

Looking back at both models, the Panasonic Lumix GM5’s advantages in sensor size, image quality, controls, and system expandability place it firmly in the enthusiast mirrorless category despite its small stature. The Sony HX7V, while an impressive compact zoom for its era, feels like a stepping stone for casual shooters less concerned with manual settings or post-processing.

If your budget permits (priced around $965 new versus $499 for the HX7V), the GM5 represents a far better investment for photographers interested in growth, creative control, and image quality. The HX7V still holds value as a grab-and-go travel companion or simple everyday camera, but don’t expect pro results.

As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras, I find the GM5 uniquely suited for a wide range of photographic disciplines, whereas the HX7V shines most in casual snapshots and convenience. Hopefully, this detailed comparison clears the fog for your next purchase decision.

Happy shooting!

[For additional example images and hands-on video comparisons, check my detailed hands-on video review series linked in my full blog post archives.]