Panasonic GX8 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic GX8 vs Sony NEX-5R, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the GX8 (20MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the GX8 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5R (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GX8 was revealed 2 years later than the NEX-5R and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the GX8 scores versus the NEX-5R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GX8 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GX8 offers exterior dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") having a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5R has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GX8 vs Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the GX8 compared to the NEX-5R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and NEX-5R is 74 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through technical specs. The photograph below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GX8 and NEX-5R.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GX8 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GX8 will result in greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern GX8 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.