Panasonic G9 vs Sony NEX-7
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and the Sony Alpha NEX-7 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2017 and August 2011. Both the G9 and the NEX-7 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (G9) and an APS-C (NEX-7) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and the Sony Alpha NEX-7? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.
Body comparison
The physical size and weight of the Panasonic G9 and the Sony NEX-7 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony NEX-7 is considerably smaller (39 percent) than the Panasonic G9. Moreover, the NEX-7 is substantially lighter (39 percent) than the G9. It is worth mentioning in this context that the G9 is splash and dust resistant, while the NEX-7 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (G9) and the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog (NEX-7). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.
Concerning battery life, the G9 gets 400 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 battery, while the NEX-7 can take 430 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the G9 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G9 | 137 mm | 97 mm | 92 mm | 658 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2017 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sony NEX-7 | 120 mm | 67 mm | 43 mm | 400 g | 430 | n | Aug 2011 | 1,349 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X100 | 126 mm | 75 mm | 54 mm | 445 g | 300 | n | Sep 2010 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
4. | Olympus E-M1 III | 134 mm | 91 mm | 69 mm | 580 g | 420 | Y | Feb 2020 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Olympus E-M1 II | 134 mm | 91 mm | 67 mm | 574 g | 440 | Y | Sep 2016 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Panasonic G9 II | 134 mm | 102 mm | 90 mm | 658 g | 390 | Y | Sep 2023 | 1,899 | amazon.com | |
7. | Panasonic GH5 II | 139 mm | 98 mm | 87 mm | 727 g | 400 | Y | May 2021 | 1,699 | amazon.com | |
8. | Panasonic GH5s | 139 mm | 98 mm | 87 mm | 660 g | 440 | Y | Jan 2018 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
9. | Panasonic GX9 | 124 mm | 72 mm | 47 mm | 407 g | 260 | n | Feb 2018 | 849 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic GH5 | 139 mm | 98 mm | 87 mm | 725 g | 410 | Y | Jan 2017 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic G85 | 128 mm | 89 mm | 74 mm | 505 g | 330 | Y | Sep 2016 | 899 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GX8 | 133 mm | 78 mm | 63 mm | 487 g | 330 | Y | Jul 2015 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GH4 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 84 mm | 560 g | 500 | Y | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony A6400 | 120 mm | 67 mm | 50 mm | 403 g | 410 | Y | Jan 2019 | 899 | amazon.com | |
15. | Sony A6000 | 120 mm | 67 mm | 45 mm | 344 g | 360 | n | Feb 2014 | 599 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony A3000 | 128 mm | 91 mm | 85 mm | 411 g | 470 | n | Aug 2013 | 329 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX1 | 113 mm | 65 mm | 70 mm | 482 g | 270 | n | Sep 2012 | 2,799 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The NEX-7 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 21 percent) than the G9, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.
Sensor comparison
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic G9 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony NEX-7 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NEX-7 is 62 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.5. The sensor in the G9 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the NEX-7 offers a 3:2 aspect.
With 24MP, the NEX-7 offers a higher resolution than the G9 (20.2MP), but the NEX-7 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 3.34μm for the G9) due to its larger sensor. However, the G9 is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 2 months) than the NEX-7, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the G9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Sony NEX-7 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the NEX-7 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G9 are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.
Unlike the NEX-7, the G9 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (80.6MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha NEX-7 are ISO 100 to ISO 16000 (no boost).
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G9 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/60p | 23.1 | 12.8 | 1138 | 74 | |
2. | Sony NEX-7 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 24.1 | 13.4 | 1016 | 81 | |
3. | Fujifilm X100 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/30p | 22.9 | 12.4 | 1001 | 73 | |
4. | Olympus E-M1 III | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 23.3 | 13.1 | 1356 | 76 | |
5. | Olympus E-M1 II | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 23.7 | 12.8 | 1312 | 80 | |
6. | Panasonic G9 II | Four Thirds | 25.0 | 5776 | 4336 | 5.7K/60p | 23.4 | 13.5 | 1710 | 78 | |
7. | Panasonic GH5 II | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/60p | 23.7 | 13.1 | 1136 | 79 | |
8. | Panasonic GH5s | Four Thirds | 9.9 | 3680 | 2700 | 4K/60p | 23.1 | 12.8 | 1154 | 74 | |
9. | Panasonic GX9 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 23.1 | 12.8 | 1163 | 74 | |
10. | Panasonic GH5 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/60p | 23.9 | 13.0 | 807 | 77 | |
11. | Panasonic G85 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.5 | 656 | 71 | |
12. | Panasonic GX8 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 23.5 | 12.6 | 806 | 75 | |
13. | Panasonic GH4 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 4K/30p | 23.2 | 12.8 | 791 | 74 | |
14. | Sony A6400 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 24.0 | 13.6 | 1431 | 83 | |
15. | Sony A6000 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.1 | 13.1 | 1347 | 82 | |
16. | Sony A3000 | APS-C | 19.8 | 5456 | 3632 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 12.8 | 1068 | 78 | |
17. | Sony RX1 | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 25.1 | 14.3 | 2534 | 93 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the G9 provides a higher video resolution than the NEX-7. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the G9 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the NEX-7 (3680k vs 2359k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic G9 and Sony NEX-7 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G9 | 3680 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 20.0/s | n | Y | |
2. | Sony NEX-7 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Fujifilm X100 | 1440 | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Olympus E-M1 III | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 18.0/s | n | Y | |
5. | Olympus E-M1 II | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 18.0/s | n | Y | |
6. | Panasonic G9 II | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1840 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
7. | Panasonic GH5 II | 3680 | n | 3.0 / 1840 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
8. | Panasonic GH5s | 3680 | n | 3.2 / 1620 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Panasonic GX9 | 2760 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 9.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Panasonic GH5 | 3680 | n | 3.2 / 1620 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
11. | Panasonic G85 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 9.0/s | Y | Y | |
12. | Panasonic GX8 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
13. | Panasonic GH4 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Sony A6400 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Sony A6000 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | n | |
16. | Sony A3000 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
17. | Sony RX1 | optional | n | 3.0 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the G9, but is missing on the NEX-7 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The G9 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the NEX-7 does not have a selfie-screen.The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the G9 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).
The Panasonic G9 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
The G9 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the NEX-7 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The G9 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NEX-7 only has one slot. The G9 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the NEX-7 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
Connectivity comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and Sony Alpha NEX-7 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G9 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.0 | Y | - | Y | |
2. | Sony NEX-7 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Fujifilm X100 | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Olympus E-M1 III | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
5. | Olympus E-M1 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Panasonic G9 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
7. | Panasonic GH5 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
8. | Panasonic GH5s | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
9. | Panasonic GX9 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
10. | Panasonic GH5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
11. | Panasonic G85 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
12. | Panasonic GX8 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
13. | Panasonic GH4 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
14. | Sony A6400 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
15. | Sony A6000 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Sony A3000 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Sony RX1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the G9 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the NEX-7 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic G9 (unlike the NEX-7) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the G9 and the NEX-7 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G9 was replaced by the Panasonic G9 II, while the NEX-7 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the G9 and NEX-7 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic G9 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-7 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic G9 or the Sony NEX-7 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9:
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60i).
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3680k vs 2359k dots).
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.83x vs 0.73x).
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
- More modern: Reflects 6 years and 2 months of technical progress since the NEX-7 launch.
Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha NEX-7:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 11%.
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- More compact: Is smaller (120x67mm vs 137x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 258g or 39 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (21 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2011).
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G9 is the clear winner of the match-up (26 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic G9 and the Sony NEX-7 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the G9 and the NEX-7 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G9 | .. | + + | 5/5 | 85/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Nov 2017 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
2. | Sony NEX-7 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2011 | 1,349 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X100 | 3/5 | .. | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2010 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
4. | Olympus E-M1 III | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Feb 2020 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Olympus E-M1 II | 5/5 | + + | 5/5 | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2016 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Panasonic G9 II | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 87/100 | .. | 4.5/5 | Sep 2023 | 1,899 | amazon.com | |
7. | Panasonic GH5 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2021 | 1,699 | amazon.com | |
8. | Panasonic GH5s | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2018 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
9. | Panasonic GX9 | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2018 | 849 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic GH5 | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2017 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic G85 | .. | + + | .. | 84/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2016 | 899 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GX8 | 5/5 | + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2015 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GH4 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Sony A6400 | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2019 | 899 | amazon.com | |
15. | Sony A6000 | 5/5 | + | 4.5/5 | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 599 | ebay.com | |
16. | Sony A3000 | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2013 | 329 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX1 | 5/5 | .. | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,799 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 1100D vs Sony NEX-7
- Fujifilm X-S20 vs Panasonic G9
- Kodak S-1 vs Panasonic G9
- Leica M Typ 240 vs Sony NEX-7
- Nikon 1 J5 vs Sony NEX-7
- Nikon 1 V2 vs Panasonic G9
- Nikon P7800 vs Sony NEX-7
- Nikon P900 vs Sony NEX-7
- Olympus E-5 vs Sony NEX-7
- Panasonic FZ200 vs Panasonic G9
- Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic L1
- Panasonic G9 vs Sony RX0
Specifications: Panasonic G9 vs Sony NEX-7
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Panasonic G9 | Sony NEX-7 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | Sony E mount lenses |
Launch Date | November 2017 | August 2011 |
Launch Price | USD 1,699 | USD 1,349 |
Sensor Specs | Panasonic G9 | Sony NEX-7 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | 23.4 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.9 mm2 | 365.04 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | 28.1 mm |
Crop Factor | 2.0x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 20.2 Megapixels | 24 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 5184 x 3888 pixels | 6000 x 4000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 3.34 μm | 3.90 μm |
Pixel Density | 8.96 MP/cm2 | 6.57 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 4K/60p Video | 1080/60i Video |
ISO Setting | 200 - 25,600 ISO | 100 - 16,000 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100 - 25,600 ISO | no Enhancement |
Image Processor | Venus 10 | BIONZ |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | .. | 81 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | .. | 24.1 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | .. | 13.4 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | .. | 1016 |
Screen Specs | Panasonic G9 | Sony NEX-7 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.83x | 0.73x |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3680k dots | 2359k dots |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 1040k dots | 921k dots |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | no Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Panasonic G9 | Sony NEX-7 |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous Shooting | 20 shutter flaps/s | 10 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 200 000 actuations | 150 000 actuations |
Electronic Shutter | up to 1/32000s | no E-Shutter |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | Lens stabilization only |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | MS or SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | Dual UHS-II | no |
Connectivity Specs | Panasonic G9 | Sony NEX-7 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | full HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | no Wifi |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | no Bluetooth |
Body Specs | Panasonic G9 | Sony NEX-7 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Panasonic DMW-BLF19 | Sony NP-FW50 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 shots per charge | 430 shots per charge |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | no USB charging |
Body Dimensions |
137 x 97 x 92 mm (5.4 x 3.8 x 3.6 in) |
120 x 67 x 43 mm (4.7 x 2.6 x 1.7 in) |
Camera Weight | 658 g (23.2 oz) | 400 g (14.1 oz) |
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