• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Sony HX20V advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More pixels
    18.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Sony HX20V

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1600 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Kit with 14-42mm Lens
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens
  • Kit with 14-42mm Power Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

  • Read our Panasonic GF5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Sony HX20V
Olympus E-PM1
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in GPS
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX20V vs Olympus E-PM1

Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PM1
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Hot shoe

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Olympus E-PM1

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Sony HX20V
Panasonic GF3X
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Sony HX20V vs Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic GF3X

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony HX20V
Sony HX10V
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Built-in GPS
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX20V vs Sony HX10V

Panasonic GF5
Sony HX10V
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX30V

Sony HX20V
Sony HX30V
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony HX20V vs Sony HX30V

Panasonic GF5
Sony HX30V
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Sony HX30V

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Sony HX20V
Panasonic ZS35
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sony HX20V vs Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic GF5
Panasonic ZS35
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS35

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