Panasonic GX8 vs Sony A6500

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic GX8 versus Sony A6500, both Advanced Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the GX8 (20MP) and the A6500 (24MP) is relatively similar but the GX8 (Four Thirds) and A6500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GX8 was revealed 14 months prior to the A6500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the GX8 grades against the A6500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and Sony Alpha a6500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX8 Gallery and Sony A6500 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX8 provides physical dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") and a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Sony A6500 has measurements of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GX8 versus Sony A6500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the GX8 versus the A6500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GX8 and A6500 is 74 and 81 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The photograph here might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX8 and A6500.

All in all, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GX8 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A6500 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older GX8 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.