• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Sony A900 advantages over Panasonic GF2

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Better color depth
    23.7 vs 21.2 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,431 vs 506 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.3 vs 10.3 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 880 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.34 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 2.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic GF2 advantages over Sony A900

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $3000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A850

Sony A900
Sony A850
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Panasonic GF2
Sony A850
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Sony A900
Panasonic GF3
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF3
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Sony A900
Panasonic GF3X
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF3X
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A900
Nikon D800
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Panasonic GF2
Nikon D800
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A900
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic GF2
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Internal flash
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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