Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Panasonic | Sony |
| Model | Lumix DMC GX1 | a6000 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2011 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
07/11/2011 | 12/02/2014 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 116 x 68 x 39 mm | 120 x 67 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 318 g | 344 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16 MP050 | 24.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4592 x 3448 | 6000 x 4000 |
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 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Micro Four Thirds | APS-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. |
4.2 fps045 | 11 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 4/3 | 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 FHD | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
16030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
128003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
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. |
16030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
128003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
6044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
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. |
230300 | 1790300 |
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. |
None | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 144000009900000 |
| 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. |
Full HD | Full HD |
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. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
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. |
30 fps | 60 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. |
AVCHD, MP4 | MPEG-4 |
| 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 | TFT 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
4600001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | DMW-BLD10 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
310 shots1505000 | 360 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony a6000 emerges as the winner in our comparison, scoring 57/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 trails behind with a score of 43/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were launched with a price difference of $100, the GX1 at $699 and the a6000 at $799. They have similar dimensions, with the GX1 being slightly lighter at 318g compared to the a6000’s 344g.
The Sony a6000 stands out due to its superior performance and more recent release in 2014, as opposed to the GX1’s 2011 release. This gives the a6000 a technological advantage and justifies its higher score. On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 is more affordable and lighter, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious and traveling photographers.
Taking into account the scores and specifications, the Sony a6000 is the better camera for those seeking advanced features and better performance, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 offers a more budget-friendly and lightweight alternative.
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 in optics, scoring 67/100 compared to the GX1’s 42/100. Both cameras share some similarities in specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor, no image stabilization, and a similar aspect ratio (3:2 for the Sony a6000 and 4:3 for the GX1). However, the differences between the two cameras reveal why the Sony a6000 has a higher score.
The Sony a6000 boasts a higher megapixel count of 24.3, compared to the GX1’s 16 megapixels. This means the a6000 can capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. The Sony a6000 also has a faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, while the GX1 only offers a shooting speed of 4.2 frames per second. This allows the a6000 to capture action and fast-moving subjects more effectively.
Furthermore, the Sony a6000’s sensor size is APS-C, larger than the GX1’s Micro Four Thirds sensor. This gives the a6000 an advantage in low light performance and increased dynamic range. The a6000’s DXOMARK score of 82 further supports its superior sensor quality, compared to the GX1’s score of 55.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 does have the advantage of a Micro 4/3 lens mount, which offers a wider variety of lenses compared to the Sony E mount. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the overall superior optics performance of the Sony a6000.
Taking these factors into account, it is clear that the Sony a6000 is the better choice for photographers seeking higher quality optics. The Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 may still be a viable option for those prioritizing lens variety, but its overall optics performance is inferior to the Sony a6000.
The Sony a6000 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 in video capabilities with a video score of 56/100 compared to the GX1’s 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a Full HD maximum video resolution and dimensions of 1920 x 1080. However, there are differences that give the Sony a6000 an edge over the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1.
One advantage the Sony a6000 has over the GX1 is its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the GX1’s 30fps. This allows the a6000 to produce smoother video footage, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects or scenes. Additionally, both cameras lack built-in time-lapse functionality, which may be a consideration for those interested in creating time-lapse videos.
Despite the lower video score, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 still offers Full HD video recording with dimensions of 1920 x 1080, making it a suitable option for casual videographers. However, the lower maximum frame rate of 30fps may be limiting for those seeking to capture high-quality action footage.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a6000 emerges as the superior option for videography due to its higher video score and increased maximum frame rate. While the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 may be sufficient for casual video recording, those seeking more advanced video capabilities should opt for the Sony a6000.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 outperforms the Sony a6000 in features with a score of 49/100, compared to the Sony’s 41/100. Both cameras share some similarities in their specifications, such as having a 3-inch screen size and lacking GPS and Bluetooth capabilities.
The Lumix DMC GX1 has a touchscreen, while the a6000 does not. This allows for easier navigation and control of the camera’s settings. However, the GX1’s screen resolution is lower at 460,000 dots, compared to the a6000’s 921,600 dots. The higher resolution provides a sharper and clearer image on the Sony a6000’s screen.
In contrast, the Sony a6000 has a flip screen and Wi-Fi capabilities, making it more versatile and convenient for various shooting situations and sharing photos. The flip screen allows for more flexible shooting angles, while the Wi-Fi feature enables easy transfer of images to other devices.
Despite the higher feature score of the Lumix DMC GX1, the Sony a6000 offers some advantages that may be more important to certain users, such as the higher screen resolution, flip screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The touchscreen feature of the GX1 is also a significant benefit for user experience.
When considering these points, potential buyers should weigh the importance of each feature for their specific needs. The Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 may be a better choice for those who prioritize touchscreen functionality, while the Sony a6000 may be more suitable for users who value a higher screen resolution, flip screen, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 and Sony a6000 both score 21/100 in storage and battery, indicating a tie. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a6000 also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards, providing more storage options.
When it comes to battery life, the Sony a6000 has a slight advantage with 360 shots per charge, compared to the Panasonic GX1’s 310 shots. Both cameras use different battery types: the GX1 uses the DMW-BLD10, while the a6000 uses the NP-FW50. Neither camera offers USB charging.
Despite the equal scores, the Sony a6000 has a minor advantage in storage options and battery life. The Panasonic GX1 does not have any significant advantages in this category. Both cameras could benefit from USB charging capabilities. In terms of storage and battery, the Sony a6000 is the slightly better choice, although the differences are minimal.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 or the Sony a6000: