Panasonic GX1 vs Sony A6700: A Deep Dive Into Two Generations of Mirrorless Cameras

When we put the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 side-by-side with the Sony Alpha A6700, we're effectively examining the evolution of mirrorless technology over more than a decade, from a pioneering entry-level compact system camera to a recent flagship APS-C marvel designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike. Each camera reflects the priorities and technological capabilities of its era - and by dissecting their design, usability, imaging performance, and versatility, we get a fascinating look at where mirrorless cameras were in 2012, and where they are now as of mid-2023.

Drawing from years of field testing and lab analysis, I’ll break down how these cameras perform across key attributes and photography genres. Whether you lean towards a budget-friendly system to experiment with, or want a high-end all-rounder with future-proof features, this comparison will help guide your next purchase or simply deepen your understanding of camera tech progress.

Raw Specifications at a Glance: Size and Handling

Visually, the GX1 and the A6700 differ considerably in size and grip design, reflecting the technological constraints and user expectations at their respective launches.

The Panasonic GX1, a relatively compact Four Thirds system camera, features a slim 116 x 68 x 39 mm body weighing 318 grams. It embodies the early 2010s rangefinder-style mirrorless ethos - small, light, and modestly gripped. In contrast, the Sony A6700, at 122 x 69 x 75 mm and 493 grams, is larger, with a deeper handgrip enhancing handling for heavier lenses and extended shooting sessions.

Ergonomically, the Sony's larger footprint grants more substantial control surfaces and roomier button placement. The Panasonic feels more pocketable and discreet, making it appealing for street and travel photographers who prize portability above all. The GX1 gives you a touchscreen LCD but lacks a built-in viewfinder - an optional electronic viewfinder could be attached but was never included. The Sony A6700, however, integrates a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,359k dots, a significant improvement enhancing daylight viewing and compositional confidence.

Looking down from the top, the A6700 sports more refined dials and a top LCD for shooting data - features the GX1 misses. The GX1's design is functional, but the A6700 is clearly built for speed and tactile precision, catering to users who demand direct access to settings without diving into menus.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: A Leap Forward in Detail and Sensitivity

One of the biggest leaps between these mirrors is sensor size and resolution, which profoundly impact image quality.

Panasonic GX1 pioneers with a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm and an effective sensor area of roughly 225mm². The Four Thirds format, while smaller than APS-C, enables more compact lenses but typically trades some low-light capability and depth-of-field control.

The Sony A6700 boasts a newer-generation 26MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor sized at 23.5 x 15.6 mm, yielding about 367mm² sensor area - approx 63% larger. This sensor adopts back-illuminated technology (BSI) for improved light-gathering efficiency and noise control at high ISO.

The result? In controlled tests and real-world shooting, the A6700 offers noticeably better detail retention, dynamic range, and high ISO performance. Panasonic’s GX1 achieved a DxOMark overall score of 55, with a respectable color depth of 20.8 EV and dynamic range of 10.6 EV. The A6700, though not yet tested by DxOMark, by Sony's sensor pedigree and specs promises solid gains, especially with ISO native max of 32000, expandable to 102400.

These improvements strongly benefit landscape and low-light photography, as we'll see later.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Touch and Tilt Comfort

Both cameras provide a 3.0-inch LCD screen with touch capability, but the Sony's is a clear winner in resolution and articulation.

The GX1’s fixed 460k-dot TFT LCD with wide viewing angle served well for its time, but the A6700 steps it up with a 1,040k dot fully articulated touchscreen, ideal for shooting from difficult angles - think macro or vlogging setups.

Touch responsiveness and menu navigation also benefit from hardware improvement and refined software design in the Sony. While Panasonic offered limited customization of buttons, the A6700 includes extensive customizable controls and more intuitive exposure and focus management workflows, improving speed in dynamic scenarios.

Autofocus System: From Modest Contrast to Sophisticated Hybrid AF

The autofocus (AF) evolution is one of the most striking differences here, impacting usability across nearly all photography types.

The Panasonic GX1 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 23 selectable points and face detection support but without phase detection or advanced tracking technologies. It struggles in continuous tracking and low-contrast or low-light scenarios. Its autofocus is certainly capable for casual portraits and static subjects but lacks the speed and accuracy demanded by fast action.

Conversely, the Sony A6700 features an advanced hybrid AF system combining 759 phase-detection AF points covering a substantial part of the frame alongside contrast detection, delivering fast, reliable focus acquisition and tracking performance. Notably, it supports real-time eye autofocus for humans and animals - including bird eye AF - a game-changer for portrait, wildlife, and sports shooters. Focus tracking is fluid and maintains lock superbly during complex motion.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Range: Speed Matters

For photographers shooting sports or wildlife, burst rates and shutter speed options are crucial.

The GX1 maxes out at 4fps continuous shooting (no electronic shutter option), with shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/4000 sec. This is acceptable for casual subjects but insufficient for fast-moving action.

The A6700 punches ahead with 11fps burst shooting and an electronic shutter permitting shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec silently. This vastly improves the ability to freeze motion or shoot discreetly. Silent shooting also suits street photography or events.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Lens choice remains a backbone consideration in mirrorless systems.

The Panasonic LX1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount - arguably one of the richest ecosystems available with over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties including fast primes and specialist lenses.

Sony’s E-mount, on the other hand, is broader and continually expanding, now counting over 190 lenses from Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, and more. This translates to greater versatility, especially with telephoto and wide-aperture primes for APS-C and full-frame.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The GX1, aimed at entry-level users, lacks weather resistance or sealing, designed primarily for controlled shooting environments. Its plastic body and light weight reinforce the “compact, casual” feel.

In contrast, the A6700 incorporates partial weather sealing, protecting against dust and moisture - critical for landscape photographers facing inclement conditions or outdoor adventure shooters.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance is an often overlooked but crucial feature for day-long sessions and travel.

The Panasonic GX1 offers around 300 shots per charge, modest by modern standards. The A6700 nearly doubles this to 570 shots, thanks to more efficient battery chemistry and system design, which is a significant benefit when shooting events or traveling.

Both support single SD card slots, with the Sony extending compatibility to Memory Stick Pro Duo cards as well, giving users flexible storage.

Wireless and Connectivity

Connectivity options are minimal on the GX1, with only USB 2.0 and HDMI output, lacking Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting wireless transfer or remote control ease.

The A6700 integrates built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling smartphone tethering and remote control, critical for modern workflows involving instant sharing and monitoring.

Video Capabilities: From Basic HD to 4K 120p Footage

Video shooters witness a pronounced advancement.

The Panasonic GX1 records Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps in MPEG-4 or AVCHD - solid for casual video but lacking advanced codecs or 4K altogether.

By comparison, the Sony A6700 supports 4K UHD video up to 120p, with high-quality XAVC HS codec and advanced audio inputs (microphone and headphone jacks). It offers slow motion and professional features like H.265 encoding and linear PCM audio, appealing to hybrid shooters who prioritize filmmaking.

How They Perform Across Different Photography Disciplines

Let’s synthesize these specs and observations into practical guidance across photographic genres.

Panasonic GX1 front Panasonic GX1 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendering on Panasonic’s Four Thirds sensor is good but slightly more limited in dynamic range compared to the Sony, which captures richer detail in highlights and shadows. The A6700’s eye and face detection autofocus perform particularly well, helping produce tack-sharp eyes in challenging lighting or motion.

The Sony’s larger sensor allows for shallower depth-of-field and more pleasing subject-background separation, enhancing bokeh quality. The GX1 is limited in this regard, though approachable for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

In landscape shooting, dynamic range and resolution matter greatly. The A6700’s APS-C sensor and higher megapixels provide superior detail capture and highlight retention in bright skies, making it the preferred choice for demanding landscape photographers.

Furthermore, the A6700’s weather sealing affords more rugged outdoor use. The GX1’s limitations are more evident here, relegating it to controlled conditions or beginner use.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus, tracking, and telephoto lens support are paramount for wildlife photography.

Sony’s robust hybrid AF and extensive lens ecosystem, including telephoto primes and zooms for the E-mount, make the A6700 well-suited for wildlife hunting. Its silent electronic shutter helps avoid startling animals.

The GX1’s contrast AF system, lower burst rate, and fewer telephoto options limit its wildlife utility, although it can still serve as a budget-friendly entry point.

Sports Photography

For sports shooting, continuous autofocus tracking and speed are king.

The A6700’s 11fps burst and sophisticated AF tracking deliver reliable performance for fast-moving subjects. In low-light arenas, the camera’s higher ISO ceiling and stabilized sensor help maintain sharp shots.

The Panasonic GX1, with just 4fps and less agile focusing, is unsuitable for serious sports capture. It may suffice for casual sports snaps but with anticipated missed shots in fast action.

Street Photography

The compact GX1 body and quiet shutter (no electronic shutter) aid discretion and portability, which are assets on the street. However, the need for an external EVF might reduce compositional comfort.

The A6700 is larger but offers silent shooting (electronic shutter), superb autofocus, and a high-res, articulating EVF. Size-wise it's less discreet but offers better usability and image quality.

Macro Photography

Critical factors include focusing precision and stabilization. The Sony’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and improved AF precision provide significant advantages for handheld macro work. The GX1 lacks IBIS, relying on lens or tripod stability, which can be limiting.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure capabilities make or break astro shots.

Sony’s sensor, with a high maximum ISO and better noise handling, is superior for such scenarios. The GX1’s max ISO of 12800 is theoretically competitive but in practice shows more noise and less usable detail.

Video Work

Sony’s professional-grade 4K 120p, external mic and headphone support, and advanced codec options put it head and shoulders above the GX1’s 1080p 60fps with limited audio inputs.

Travel Photography

The lightweight Panasonic GX1 is an inviting option for travelers who want a versatile shooter without heft. However, the A6700 balances stills and video excellence with longer battery life and ruggedness, making it a superb if heavier travel companion.

Professional Use

The Sony A6700 is designed with professional workflows in mind, offering extensive customization, 14-bit RAW support, more flexible storage, and connectivity options for tethering and fast transfers. The GX1’s limited processing power and interfaces restrain its compatibility with professional demands.

In-Depth Technical Assessment: What I Noted After Hands-On Testing

Having shot extensively with both cameras under varying conditions, certain nuances stood out beyond specs.

1. Autofocus Feel and Reliability: Running long AF tests, the A6700’s eye-tracking AF was seamless, locking almost instantly even with fast aperture lenses and erratic subjects. The GX1’s AF occasionally hunted, especially indoors or low contrast scenes, demonstrating the contrast-only system’s limitations.

2. Handling in Real Use: The GX1’s compactness is deceptive; small buttons and dial movements feel less precise after hours of shooting. The A6700’s grip and control layout were more comfortable for sustained use, especially in bursts.

3. Image Quality under Challenge: While both cameras produce pleasing JPEGs, the Sony’s RAW files reveal more latitude for post-processing, particularly in shadows and highlights - essential for wedding or landscape workflows.

4. Video Usability: The A6700 streamed clean 4K footage with high bitrates and manageable rolling shutter. The GX1 was functional but shows age in color grading flexibility and lacks RAW video or slow-motion modes.

Value for Money: Which Should You Choose?

Price remains a determining factor for many buyers.

The Panasonic GX1 currently sells for around $230, an ultra-budget price for an interchangeable lens system, making it a reasonable choice for beginners or hobbyists wanting to explore mirrorless without heavy investment. Its limitations mean it’s mostly good for casual, daylight, or travel photography.

The Sony A6700 retails near $1400 body-only, reflecting its advanced feature set and future-proof design. It serves advanced amateurs and professionals who demand speed, image quality, and versatility across genres.

In essence: if you want a capable, compact starter, the GX1 offers solid basics. If you want a camera that scales with your skills and handles demanding situations, the A6700 is worth its premium.

Final Thoughts: Evolution Illustrated Through Two Cameras

The Panasonic Lumix GX1 and Sony Alpha A6700 are snapshots of distinct moments in mirrorless camera history.

The GX1 introduced many users to mirrorless photography with its compact body and respectable image quality for its era. It’s a solid budget system with Micro Four Thirds compatibility - simple, compact, and entry-level.

The A6700 heralds the current mirrorless generation, with advanced autofocus, larger and higher-resolution sensor tech, comprehensive video features, and ergonomic improvements, supporting diverse professional uses.

Each has its place depending on budget, photographic needs, and desired features. For casual, entry-level use, or a secondary travel camera, the GX1 holds appeal. For demanding photography, hybrid shooting, and future-proofing your gear, the A6700 represents a significant step up.

My recommendation: those seeking longevity, advanced performance, and a broad lens ecosystem should lean towards the Sony A6700. Those testing the waters or on a tight budget will find the Panasonic GX1 a capable companion - just be aware of its limitations as photography ambitions grow.

This detailed comparison underscores how mirrorless cameras have evolved, and how even cameras a decade apart can each serve worthwhile photographic purposes if chosen with understanding and realistic expectations. Happy shooting!