Panasonic GM5 vs Sony HX80

The following is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic GM5 and Sony HX80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty comparable but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and HX80 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GM5 was brought out 17 months prior to the HX80 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the GM5 matches up vs the HX80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GM5 comes with physical 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 HX80 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GM5 and Sony HX80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the GM5 and the HX80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GM5 and HX80 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through technical specs. The picture here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM5 and HX80.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GM5 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony HX80 will show extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GM5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.