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Panasonic GM5 vs Sony A850

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and the Sony Alpha A850 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2014 and August 2009. The GM5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the A850 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (GM5) and a full frame (A850) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 15.8 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24.4 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GM5
versus
Sony A850
Panasonic GM5   Sony A850
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony A mount lenses
15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor 24.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video no Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 200-3,200 (100 - 6,400)
Electronic viewfinder (1166k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.8 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
220 shots per battery charge880 shots per battery charge
99 x 60 x 36 mm, 211 g 156 x 117 x 82 mm, 895 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and the Sony Alpha A850? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GM5 and the Sony A850. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GM5 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A850 is only available in black.

Size Panasonic GM5 vs Sony A850
Compare GM5 versus A850 top
Comparison GM5 or A850 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A850 is considerably larger (207 percent) than the Panasonic GM5. Moreover, the A850 is substantially heavier (324 percent) than the GM5. It is noteworthy in this context that the A850 is splash and dust-proof, while the GM5 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the GM5 gets 220 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLH7 battery, while the A850 can take 880 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FM500H power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic GX85 122 mm 71 mm 44 mm 426 g 290 n Apr 2016 799 amazon.com
5.
 
Panasonic G7 125 mm 86 mm 77 mm 410 g 350 n May 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 115 mm 66 mm 55 mm 393 g 300 n Sep 2014 899ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
12.
 
Ricoh GR II 117 mm 63 mm 35 mm 251 g 320 n Jun 2015 699ebay.com
13.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A99 147 mm 111 mm 78 mm 812 g 500 Y Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 GM5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 63 percent) than the A850, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic GM5 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony A850 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A850 is 283 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the GM5 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A850 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Panasonic GM5 and Sony A850 sensor measures

With 24.4MP, the A850 offers a higher resolution than the GM5 (15.8MP), but the A850 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.77μm for the GM5) due to its larger sensor. However, the GM5 is a much more recent model (by 5 years) than the A850, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A850 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A850 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.2 inches or 76.8 x 51.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 41 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GM5 are 23 x 17.2 inches or 58.3 x 43.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.7 x 35 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 11.5 inches or 38.9 x 29.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 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 A850 are ISO 200 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

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.

GM5 versus A850 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A850 offers substantially better image quality than the GM5 (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.7 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
2.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
3.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
4.
 
Panasonic GX85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.912.666271
5.
 
Panasonic G7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.490471
6.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
7.
 
Panasonic LX100 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.312.555367
8.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
9.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
10.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
11.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
12.
 
Ricoh GR II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.7107880
13.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
14.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
15.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
16.
 
Sony A99 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.014.0155589
17.
 
Sony A900 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.712.3143179
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The GM5 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the A850 does not. The highest resolution format that the GM5 can use is 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GM5 has an electronic viewfinder (1166k dots), while the A850 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the GM5 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the A850 (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the A850 has a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.46x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic GM5, the Sony A850, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
2.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
3.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Panasonic GX852765 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Panasonic G72360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic LX1002764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Ricoh GR IIoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A992359 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 6.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A900optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GM5 has a touchscreen, while the A850 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

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 GM5 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 GM5 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 GM5 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A850 uses Compact Flash or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A850 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GM5 only has one slot.

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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 DMC-GM5 and Sony Alpha A850 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
4.
 
Panasonic GX85Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Panasonic G7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
7.
 
Panasonic LX100Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
9.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Ricoh GR IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
14.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
15.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony A99Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A900Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the GM5 offers wifi support, while the A850 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A850 (unlike the GM5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the GM5 and the A850 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Panasonic and Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the GM5 and A850 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GM5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A850 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Panasonic GM5 better than the Sony A850 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5:

  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.8 vs 3 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (99x60mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 684g or 76 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (63 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years of technical progress since the A850 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A850:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.4 vs 15.8MP), which boosts linear resolution by 27%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.7 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.46x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/500s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (880 versus 220) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • 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.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2009).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A850 comes out slightly ahead of the GM5 (14 : 13 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision 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.

GM5 13:14 A850

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GM5 and the Sony A850 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GM5 and the A850 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic GX854.5/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Apr 2016 799 amazon.com
5.
 
Panasonic G74/5+ +3.5/580/1005/54.5/5 May 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic LX1005/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 899ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
12.
 
Ricoh GR II........4.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 699ebay.com
13.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 799ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A995/5....84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A900..+ +..+ +4.5/55/5 Sep 2008 2,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Panasonic GM5 vs Sony A850

    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 Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic GM5 Sony A850
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony A mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2014 August 2009
    Launch Price USD 749 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GM5 Sony A850
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 15.8 Megapixels 24.4 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4592 x 3448 pixels 6048 x 4032 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.77 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 7.04 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    Image Processor Venus BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 66 79
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.1 23.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.7 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 721 1415
    Screen Specs Panasonic GM5 Sony A850
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.46x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1166k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GM5 Sony A850
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 5.8 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF or MS cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GM5 Sony A850
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Body Specs Panasonic GM5 Sony A850
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLH7 Sony NP-FM500H
    Battery Life (CIPA)220 shots per charge880 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 99 x 60 x 36 mm
    (3.9 x 2.4 x 1.4 in)
    156 x 117 x 82 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 211 g (7.4 oz) 895 g (31.6 oz)
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    Check GM5 offers at
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    Check A850 offers at
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