Panasonic GX850 vs Sony A58

Here is a extended analysis of the Panasonic GX850 versus Sony A58, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the GX850 (16MP) and the A58 (20MP) is very comparable but the GX850 (Four Thirds) and A58 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The GX850 was launched 3 years later than the A58 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick view of how the GX850 grades versus the A58 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 and Sony SLT-A58. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GX850 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GX850 has got physical dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony A58 has sizing of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GX850 versus Sony A58 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the GX850 compared to the A58.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GX850 and A58 is 90 and 68 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through specs. The graphic below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GX850 and A58.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GX850 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A58 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The younger GX850 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.