Panasonic GX85 vs Sony NEX-5

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic GX85 vs Sony NEX-5, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GX85 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close but the GX85 (Four Thirds) and NEX-5 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The GX85 was announced 5 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the GX85 scores against the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GX85 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX85 provides physical measurements of 122mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GX85 vs Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the GX85 against the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the GX85 and NEX-5 is 83 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the GX85 and NEX-5.

As you can see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GX85 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GX85 will provide you with more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The younger GX85 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.