Panasonic GX1 vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GX1 and Sony NEX-5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GX1 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the GX1 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The GX1 was unveiled 21 months after the NEX-5 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the GX1 matches up vs the NEX-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GX1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GX1 enjoys exterior measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GX1 and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the GX1 compared to the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the GX1 and NEX-5 is 87 and 89 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The pic below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the GX1 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GX1 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic GX1 will produce greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The younger GX1 provides an edge in sensor tech.