• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony NEX-5N advantages over Panasonic G7

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 77 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Panasonic G7 advantages over Sony NEX-5N

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~1.10 vs 1.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    240 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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 Sony NEX-5N

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Buy the Panasonic G7
Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Silver)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Silver)
  • Kit with 14-140mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Black)
All G7 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Fast autofocus and prefocused shutter lag; Quieter shutter sound; Captures 10 frames per second; Supports AVCHD 2.0.

  • Limited first-party lens selection; Slow and confusing on-screen user interface; top-mounted, proprietary accessories are quite pricey.

  • Read our Sony NEX-5N Review

  • Compact and lightweight for a fully-featured interchangeable-lens camera; Really fast autofocus; Good all-around performance too; Generous buffer depth; Versatile tilt/swivel LCD and high-res viewfinder; Touch-screen controls; Very affordable pricetag

  • Out of the box, colors are muted by consumer standards; Warm white balance under incandescent light; Handgrip is a little shallow for those with larger hands; Wi-Fi is overly complex and has limited range

  • Read our Panasonic G7 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-3

Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony NEX-5N vs Sony NEX-3

Panasonic G7
Sony NEX-3
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic G7 vs Sony NEX-3

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-C3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony NEX-5N vs Sony NEX-C3

Panasonic G7
Sony NEX-C3
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic G7 vs Sony NEX-C3

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-5N
Sony NEX-5R
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony NEX-5N vs Sony NEX-5R

Panasonic G7
Sony NEX-5R
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic G7 vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Panasonic G6

Sony NEX-5N
Panasonic G6
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection

Compare Sony NEX-5N vs Panasonic G6

Panasonic G7
Panasonic G6
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Panasonic G7 vs Panasonic G6

Compared to Panasonic GH4

Sony NEX-5N
Panasonic GH4
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony NEX-5N vs Panasonic GH4

Panasonic G7
Panasonic GH4
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • NFC

Compare Panasonic G7 vs Panasonic GH4

Compare Other Cameras?