• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony A57 advantages over Panasonic G6

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    785 vs 639 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.0 vs 11.5 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 6.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Panasonic G6 advantages over Sony A57

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Lighter weight
    485g vs 828g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 25 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic G6

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony A57
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic G6
Nikon D5100
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A37

Sony A57
Sony A37
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher-res screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Panasonic G6
Sony A37
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic G5

Sony A57
Panasonic G5
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic G6
Panasonic G5
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $500
  • 4/3

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A57
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic G6
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic G7

Sony A57
Panasonic G7
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic G6
Panasonic G7
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
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