• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony NEX-5R advantages over Panasonic GX7

  • Less expensive
    $750 vs $1100 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    910 vs 718 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 54 mm
    Thinner

Panasonic GX7 advantages over Sony NEX-5R

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/320 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony NEX-5R
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All NEX-5R Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX7
Kit with 14-42mm Lens
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens
  • Body Only
All GX7 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Sharp retro design and solid build; High resolution, tiltable electronic viewfinder and LCD touchscreen monitor; Competitive still image quality; Very good video quality, recording Full HD at frame rates up to 60p; Fast autofocusing and all-around performance; Robust Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, including remote shooting when paired with a smart device

  • Weak built-in flash; No external mic or headphone jack for video recording; Some poor results when shooting in Creative Panorama mode

  • Read our Panasonic GX7 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5R
Sony NEX-C3
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Sony NEX-C3

Panasonic GX7
Sony NEX-C3
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GX7 vs Sony NEX-C3

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

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

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

Panasonic GX7
Sony NEX-5N
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GX7 vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Canon EOS M

Sony NEX-5R
Canon EOS M
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Canon EOS M

Panasonic GX7
Canon EOS M
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Panasonic GX7 vs Canon EOS M

Compared to Olympus E-M10

Sony NEX-5R
Olympus E-M10
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Olympus E-M10

Panasonic GX7
Olympus E-M10
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic GX7 vs Olympus E-M10

Compared to Olympus E-M5 II

Sony NEX-5R
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony NEX-5R vs Olympus E-M5 II

Panasonic GX7
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Panasonic GX7 vs Olympus E-M5 II

Compare Other Cameras?