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Sony A7R II vs Panasonic GM5

The Sony Alpha A7R II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2015 and September 2014. Both the A7R II and the GM5 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (A7R II) and a Four Thirds (GM5) sensor. The Sony has a resolution of 42.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.8 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Sony A7R II
versus
Panasonic GM5
Sony A7R II   Panasonic GM5
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Sony E mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
42.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 102,400) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots) Electronic viewfinder (1166k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1229k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Fixed touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 5.8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
290 shots per battery charge220 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 60 mm, 625 g 99 x 60 x 36 mm, 211 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Sony Alpha A7R II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5? 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 Sony A7R II and the Panasonic GM5. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GM5 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7R II is only available in black.

Size Sony A7R II vs Panasonic GM5
Compare A7R II versus GM5 top
Comparison A7R II or GM5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GM5 is considerably smaller (51 percent) than the Sony A7R II. Moreover, the GM5 is substantially lighter (66 percent) than the A7R II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the A7R II is splash and dust resistant, 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. 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 Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7R II) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GM5). 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 A7R II gets 290 shots out of its NP-FW50 battery, while the GM5 can take 220 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLH7 power pack. The power pack in the A7R II can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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.
 
Sony A7R II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 625 g 290 Y Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G7 125 mm 86 mm 77 mm 410 g 350 n May 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IV 129 mm 96 mm 78 mm 665 g 670 Y Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II 143 mm 104 mm 76 mm 849 g 490 Y Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GM5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 77 percent) than the A7R II, 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 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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Sony A7R II features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GM5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GM5 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the A7R II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GM5 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Sony A7R II and Panasonic GM5 sensor measures

With 42.2MP, the A7R II offers a higher resolution than the GM5 (15.8MP), but the A7R II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 3.77μm for the GM5) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7R II is a somewhat more recent model (by 8 months) than the GM5, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the A7R II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inches or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inches or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inches or 67.3 x 44.9 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 A7R II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Sony Alpha A7R II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the A7R II is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the GM5 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

A7R II versus GM5 MP

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"). Of the two cameras under review, the A7R II provides substantially higher image quality than the GM5, with an overall score that is 32 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.9 bits higher color depth, 2.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.3 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.
 
Sony A7R II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.013.9343498
2.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
3.
 
Panasonic G7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.490471
4.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
5.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
6.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
7.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
8.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
9.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
12.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
13.
 
Sony A7R IV Full Frame 60.2 9504 63364K/30p26.014.8334499
14.
 
Sony A7R III Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
15.
 
Sony A99 II Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p25.413.4231792
16.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
17.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7R II provides a higher video resolution than the GM5. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60p.

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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 A7R II offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the GM5 (2400k vs 1166k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Sony A7R II, the Panasonic GM5, 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.
 
Sony A7R II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
2.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
3.
 
Panasonic G72360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA5760 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A7R IV5760 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7R III3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A99 II2400 Y3.0 / 1229 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the A7R II and the GM5 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The A7R II reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the GM5 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 A7R II writes its imaging data to SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, while the GM5 uses SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 Sony Alpha A7R II and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 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.
 
Sony A7R IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
2.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Panasonic G7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
11.
 
Sony A7R IVAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
12.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Sony A7R IVYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
14.
 
Sony A7R IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A99 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YYY
16.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the A7R II has a microphone port, which is missing on the GM5. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Both the A7R II and the GM5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7R II was replaced by the Sony A7R III, while the GM5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the A7R II and GM5 can be found, respectively, in the Sony A7R II Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GM5 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Sony A7R II and the Panasonic GM5? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A7R II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (42.2 vs 15.8MP) with a 66% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (32 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.3 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2400k vs 1166k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.46x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/500s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (290 versus 220) on a single battery charge.
  • 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.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 8 months after the GM5).

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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.8 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (99x60mm vs 127x96mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 414g or 66 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (77 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R II is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

A7R II 21:08 GM5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Sony A7R II and the Panasonic GM5 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the A7R II or the GM5. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. 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.
 
Sony A7R II5/5+ +5/590/1005/55/5 Jun 2015 3,199ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G74/5+ +3.5/580/1005/54.5/5 May 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
8.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
9.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A7R IVA5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,499 amazon.com
12.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
13.
 
Sony A7R IV5/5+4.5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2019 3,499ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A7R III..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2017 3,199ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A99 II....4.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 3,199ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Sony A7R II vs Panasonic GM5

    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 Sony A7R II Panasonic GM5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Sony E mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date June 2015 September 2014
    Launch Price USD 3,199 USD 749
    Sensor Specs Sony A7R II Panasonic GM5
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 42.2 Megapixels 15.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7952 x 5304 pixels 4592 x 3448 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.52 μm 3.77 μm
    Pixel Density 4.90 MP/cm2 7.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor BIONZ X Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 66
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.0 22.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.9 11.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3434 721
    Screen Specs Sony A7R II Panasonic GM5
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.46x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots 1166k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1229k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Sony A7R II Panasonic GM5
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/500s
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 5.8 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic ShutterYESup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium MS or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Sony A7R II Panasonic GM5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Sony A7R II Panasonic GM5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type NP-FW50 DMW-BLH7
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge220 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 60 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in)
    99 x 60 x 36 mm
    (3.9 x 2.4 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 625 g (22.0 oz) 211 g (7.4 oz)
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