Panasonic Lumix GF3 vs Sony NEX-5N | Sony NEX-5N vs Panasonic Lumix GF3 Features and Performance Compared
Panasonic Lumix GF3 and Sony NEX-5N are two of the bridge cameras designed by Panasonic and Sony respectively. These cameras fall into the category of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras more commonly known as MILC.
Resolution of the camera
Resolution of the camera is one of the main feature a user must look into when buying a camera. This is also known as the megapixel value. While the NEX-5N features a 16.1 megapixel sensor, the GF3 only has a 12.1 megapixel sensor. Sony NEX-5N is ahead of the Panasonic GF3 in terms of resolution.
ISO performance
ISO value range is also an important feature. The ISO value of the sensor means, how much sensitive the sensor is to a given quantum of light. This feature is very important in night shots and sports and action photography. But increasing the ISO value causes a noise in the photograph. While the GF3 has an ISO range of 160 to 6400, the NEX-5N has a whopping ISO range of 100 to 25600 compared to the GF3.
Frames per second rate
Frames per second rate or more commonly known as the FPS rate is also an important aspect when it comes to sports, wildlife, and action photography. FPS rate means the mean number of photos the camera can shoot per second on a certain setting. The NEX-5N with its speed priority mode can go up to a whopping 10 frames per second rate, while the GF3 can only go up to about 3.2 frames per second maximum.
Shutter lag and recovery time
A DSLR would not take the picture as soon as the shutter release is pressed. In most of the conditions, the auto focusing and auto white balancing would take place after the button is pressed. Therefore, there is a time gap between the press and the actual photo taken. This is known as the shutter lag of the camera. Both of these cameras are reasonably fast and have very little or no shutter lags. The recovery time is good.
Number of autofocus points
Autofocus points or AF points are the points which are built into the memory of the camera. If the priority is given to an AF point, camera will use its autofocus ability to focus the lens to the object in the given AF point. The GF3 has a 23 point AF system, while the NEX-5N features a 25 point AF system.
High definition movie recording
High definition cameras record movies at a resolution higher than the standard definition (SD) cameras. HD movie modes are 720p (1280×720 pixels) and 1080p (1920×1080 pixels). Both the cameras are capable of producing 1080p movies.
Weight and dimensions
The NEX-5N reads dimensions of 110.8 x 62.2 x 38.2 mm and weighing 269 grams. The GF3 reads dimensions of 107.7 x 67.1 x 32.5 mm and weighs only 264 grams.
Storage medium and capacity
In DSLR cameras, the inbuilt memory is almost negligible. An external storage device is required to hold images. Both of these cameras are capable of handling SDXC memory cards.
Live view and flexibility of the display
Live view is the ability to use the LCD as a viewfinder. This can be convenient because the LCD gives a clear preview of the picture in brilliant colors. Like most of the MIL cameras, these two also do not feature a viewfinder. Both of these cameras feature LCD screens with no vary angle facility.
Conclusion
Sony NEX-5N is better in every way than the GF3. When the price is compared, the NEX-5N is more expensive, but it delivers a better performance.