CameraReview

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Panasonic
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Mirrorless · 16 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video
58
SCORE
$412.64
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✓ WINNER
Sony a6300
Sony
Sony a6300
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · APS-C · 4K video
61
SCORE
$493.64
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General
Brand PanasonicSony
Model Lumix DMC-GH4a6300
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142016
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
07/02/201403/02/2016
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 133 x 93 x 84 mm120 x 67 x 49 mm
Camera weight 560 g404 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4608 x 34566000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.315.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four ThirdsAPS-C
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
12 fps04511 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3Sony E
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Venus Engine IXBionz X
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:33:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
2003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
256003003280000256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
60440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000400080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
4903004250300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 235900009900000235929609900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K4K
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
4096 x 21603840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
24 fps120 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOV, MP4, AVCHDMPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0, H.264
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
103600011500015000009216001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
Battery type DMW-BLF19NP-FW50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
500 shots1505000400 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a6300 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 with a score of 61/100 compared to 58/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2014 and 2016, respectively. They share similarities in their launch prices, with the GH4 priced at $1700 and the a6300 at $1000.

The GH4 has a larger body, measuring 133 x 93 x 84mm and weighing 560g, while the a6300 is more compact at 120 x 67 x 49mm and 404g. The Sony a6300’s higher score indicates better performance and its smaller size and lighter weight make it more portable. However, the GH4’s larger size and weight may provide better stability for some users.

Considering the specifications, the Sony a6300 is the clear winner in terms of performance and portability, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial camera body.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 Overview and Optics

The Sony a6300 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 in optics, with a score of 68/100 compared to the GH4’s 52/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as CMOS sensor type, lack of image stabilization, and similar shooting speeds (12fps for GH4 and 11fps for a6300). Despite these similarities, the a6300 has distinct advantages over the GH4.

The Sony a6300 boasts a higher megapixel count at 24.2 compared to the GH4’s 16, allowing for greater detail and image quality. Additionally, the a6300’s sensor is larger (APS-C) than the GH4’s Micro Four Thirds, contributing to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The a6300 also has a higher DXOMARK score of 85, indicating its superior sensor quality compared to the GH4’s score of 74. Lastly, the Sony E lens mount offers a wider range of lens options than the GH4’s Micro 4/3 lens mount.

The Panasonic GH4, however, has a slightly faster shooting speed of 12fps compared to the a6300’s 11fps, which could be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects. Furthermore, the GH4 has a 4:3 aspect ratio, whereas the a6300 has a 3:2 aspect ratio. This difference in aspect ratios may be a preference for some photographers.

Taking all factors into account, the Sony a6300 excels in optics due to its higher megapixel count, larger sensor, superior sensor quality, and broader lens compatibility. The Panasonic GH4 has a marginal advantage in shooting speed and a different aspect ratio that may appeal to some photographers. However, the a6300’s overall superior performance in optics makes it the better choice for those prioritizing image quality.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 Video Performance

The Sony a6300 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 in video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the GH4’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, there are key differences that contribute to the Sony a6300’s superior performance.

The a6300 boasts a higher max video frame rate of 120fps, while the GH4 offers a maximum of 24fps. This allows the a6300 to capture smoother slow-motion footage, providing more versatility for videographers. Additionally, the a6300’s video dimensions are 3840 x 2160, which is slightly smaller than the GH4’s 4096 x 2160. This minor difference in dimensions does not impact the overall video quality significantly.

On the other hand, the Panasonic GH4 has a larger max video dimension, which could be advantageous for certain applications that require higher resolution. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the a6300’s higher frame rate and overall better video performance.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a6300 is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. Its higher frame rate and impressive video score make it a more versatile and capable camera for capturing high-quality video. While the Panasonic GH4 may offer a slightly larger video dimension, it falls short in other areas, making the a6300 the better choice for videographers.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 Features and Benefits

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a6300 in terms of features, scoring 70/100 compared to the Sony a6300’s 54/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, lack of GPS, WIFI capabilities, and absence of Bluetooth. However, the GH4 has a higher screen resolution and a touchscreen, which contribute to its superior score.

The GH4’s screen resolution of 1,036,000 dots surpasses the a6300’s 921,600 dots, providing a clearer and more detailed display for users. Additionally, the GH4’s touchscreen functionality allows for more convenient and efficient operation, as users can directly interact with the screen to adjust settings or focus on subjects. These features make the GH4 a more user-friendly and versatile camera compared to the a6300.

Despite its lower feature score, the Sony a6300 still offers a flip screen, which is a useful feature for photographers who need to shoot from various angles or capture self-portraits. Both cameras’ WIFI capabilities enable easy sharing and transfer of images, while the absence of GPS and Bluetooth does not significantly affect their overall performance.

Considering the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4’s higher feature score, it is the better camera in terms of user experience and functionality. Its superior screen resolution and touchscreen capabilities provide a more satisfying user experience, while the Sony a6300’s flip screen is its notable advantage. Ultimately, the GH4 offers more advanced features that cater to a broader range of photography styles and situations.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 Storage and Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a6300 in storage and battery with a score of 60/100, compared to the Sony’s 24/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the GH4 has two memory card slots, giving it an advantage over the a6300, which has only one slot.

The GH4 also boasts a longer battery life, offering 500 shots per charge, while the a6300 provides 400 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the GH4 using the DMW-BLF19 and the a6300 using the NP-FW50. Neither camera offers USB charging.

Despite its lower score, the Sony a6300 still provides sufficient storage and battery life for casual photographers. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, with its superior storage capacity and battery life, is a better option for professional photographers or those who require more storage and longer shooting times.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 – Our Verdict

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6300 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 or the Sony a6300: