Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6500 Comparison
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Sony a6500
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Brand | Panasonic | Sony | |
Model | Lumix DMC-GH4 | a6500 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 | 2016 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 07, 2014 | October 06, 2016 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner with a score of 72/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 scores 58/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released within two years of each other, with the GH4 in 2014 and the a6500 in 2016. They share common specifications such as camera type and launch prices of $1700 and $1400, respectively.
The Sony a6500 outperforms the GH4 with its smaller size (120 x 67 x 53mm) and lighter weight (453g), making it more portable and user-friendly. However, the GH4 has its advantages with a larger body (133 x 93 x 84mm) and heavier weight (560g), which can provide better stability for certain users.
Considering the specifications, the Sony a6500 is the better camera due to its higher score, smaller size, and lighter weight. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, while not as highly ranked, still offers benefits in terms of stability with its larger size and heavier weight.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6500 Overview and Optics
The Sony a6500 triumphs over the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 in optics with a score of 74/100 compared to the GH4’s 52/100. Both cameras feature a CMOS sensor and offer similar shooting speeds, with the GH4 at 12 and the a6500 at 11. Additionally, they each have different lens mounts, with the GH4 using a Micro 4/3 mount and the a6500 using a Sony E mount.
The a6500 takes the lead with its 24.2-megapixel resolution, APS-C sensor size, and built-in image stabilization. The camera also boasts a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 85, compared to the GH4’s 74. It also has a superior processor, the Bionz X, which contributes to its better overall performance.
The GH4, on the other hand, has a lower resolution of 16 megapixels and a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor size. It lacks image stabilization and uses the Venus Engine IX processor. Despite these shortcomings, the GH4 does have a slightly faster shooting speed and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which may be preferable for some users.
While the GH4 has a few advantages, the Sony a6500’s superior optics make it the better choice for most photographers. Its higher resolution, better sensor, and image stabilization provide improved image quality and versatility. The GH4 may still appeal to those who prioritize shooting speed and aspect ratio, but the a6500’s overall performance makes it the winner in this comparison.
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Optics
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Sony a6500
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16 MP | 24.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4608 x 3456 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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 17.3 mm | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |  APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps | 11 fps | |
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 4/3 | Sony 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 IX | Bionz 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. |  4:3 |  3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 25,600 | 25,600 | |
Minimum 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. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum 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. | 25600 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
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. | 49 | 425 | |
In-body Stabilization 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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6500 Video Performance
The Sony a6500 emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison, scoring 77 out of 100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 scores 70. Both cameras share 4K video resolution, but there are differences in their maximum video dimensions and frame rates.
The Panasonic GH4 has a maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160, while the Sony a6500 has a slightly smaller dimension at 3840 x 2160. However, the Sony a6500 outperforms the GH4 in terms of maximum video frame rate, offering 120fps compared to the GH4’s 24fps. This higher frame rate allows the Sony a6500 to capture smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage.
The Lumix GH4 has an advantage over the Sony a6500 in terms of time-lapse functionality, as it has built-in time-lapse capabilities, while the Sony a6500 does not. This feature can be useful for photographers who enjoy capturing time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.
Despite the Lumix GH4’s advantage in time-lapse functionality, the Sony a6500’s superior frame rate and overall higher video score make it the better choice for videographers seeking high-quality footage. The GH4’s built-in time-lapse feature may appeal to some users, but it is not enough to surpass the a6500’s performance in other areas. Therefore, the Sony a6500 is the recommended choice for those prioritizing video capabilities in their camera selection.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse 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, AVCHD | MPEG-4, XAVC S, AVCHD Ver. 2.0 |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6500 Features and Benefits
The Sony a6500 triumphs over the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 with a feature score of 81/100, compared to the GH4’s 70/100. Both cameras have several similarities, including 3-inch touchscreen flip screens, no GPS, and WIFI capabilities.
The Sony a6500 outperforms the GH4 in several aspects. The a6500 has a higher feature score, which makes it a better camera. Additionally, the a6500 has Bluetooth capabilities that the GH4 lacks, providing an extra layer of connectivity for users. This feature allows for easier transfer of images and remote control of the camera, giving the a6500 an edge over the GH4.
The GH4, however, has a higher screen resolution than the a6500, with 1,036,000 dots compared to the a6500’s 921,600 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed image display on the GH4’s screen, making it easier for users to review and edit their photos on the camera itself.
Despite the higher screen resolution of the GH4, the Sony a6500 takes the lead in overall features and connectivity, making it the better choice for most users. The addition of Bluetooth, along with a higher feature score, makes the a6500 more versatile and user-friendly. On the other hand, the GH4’s superior screen resolution may appeal to those who prioritize image quality on the camera screen. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s preferences and priorities.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 | LCD | LCD | |
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 Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,036,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a6500 Storage and Battery
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a6500 in storage and battery with a score of 60 to 21. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the GH4 has two memory card slots, while the a6500 has only one and also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
The GH4 has a longer battery life, allowing for 500 shots compared to the a6500’s 350 shots. This is due to the GH4’s DMW-BLF19 battery, while the a6500 uses the NP-FW50 battery. Neither camera offers USB charging.
The a6500 does not have any advantages in storage and battery over the GH4. The GH4’s superior storage capacity and longer battery life make it a better choice for photographers who require more flexibility and endurance in their camera.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.1 bits | 24.5 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.7 EVs | 13.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 721 | 1405 |
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Scores
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Alternatives to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 and Sony a6500
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 a6500:
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User Scores
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a6500
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B&H photo video |
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