Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – An Extensive Comparison

As you know, we are all about helping you make your best camera decision. So, we supply you the best information we possibly can on different cameras as we meet them. Today, the comparison is about the Sony a6000 vs GH4.

Although it’s not mentioned in the title, the GH4 is a Panasonic camera. So, this is also a comparison between Sony and Panasonic.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

While Sony might be the bigger brand, it doesn’t mean that Panasonic is not on to something with their cameras. The Panasonic GH4 particularly is a good one and we’re excited to be going in-depth to check out all that it offers.

This article is going to be a pretty long one as we take an extensive approach to uncovering all the details. At the end of this side-by-side comparison of the Sony a6000 vs GH4, we are confident you’d be able to make an informed decision once you’re through perusing this.

If you can’t afford that time, though, that’s perfectly understandable. You can simply go through our comparison overview for an executive summary of the entire review.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Comparison Overview

So, if you do not have the time to spare for our full article, then you really pay attention to this aspect of the review. In this section, we summarize the entire article on the Sony a6000 vs GH4 into a short section so you can make your decision on the spot.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Where Both Camera Get It Right

Alright, here are a number of areas where both cameras get it right. First off, they both come with a wireless connection which makes it easier for you to upload your pictures or videos, edit them, and then share them as well.

Also, they both come with articulating screens although that of the GH4 is fully articulated while that of the Sony a6000 is only partially articulated.

Other aspects where both cameras get it right is in their continuous shooting feature which are good enough. Plus, their RAW support, face detection focus, and viewfinders are also pretty great as well.

Finally, these two cameras also come with a built-in flash, as well as a smartphone remote control.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Where The Sony a6000 Does It Better

The Sony a6000 is obviously the better camera in low light. For one, its sensor is larger and so is the sensor pixel area as well.

Also, in comparison to the low light ISO of the GH4 which is 791, that of the Sony a6000 comes in at 1347. That’s not awesome especially compared to other Sony cameras. However, for an entry-level camera, this ISO is great.

Besides that, this camera is lighter than the Panasonic GH4 and it is also more affordable as well.

Furthermore, the Sony a6000 has a larger sensor as well as a sharper sensor resolution. At 24 megapixels, pictures from the Sony a6000 typically come out clearer, more detailed, and of a better quality than those from the GH4. Plus, aggressive croppers and large printers might be better off with the Sony a6000.

With an NFC connection, you’ll be able to instantly connect to all of your devices. And finally, the Sony a6000 also comes with support for UHS memory cards, another feature that the GH4 lacks.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Where The Panasonic GH4 Does It Better?

If you need a video that’s excellent in video mode, then you should go for the GH4. The only area where the GH4 does not perform as well is in its low light capability. But besides that, the GH4 is fantastic. Sound and audio quality are great. Plus, it’s also great for fast-panning as well.

Besides that, if you’re constantly making adjustments to your settings on the fly, the GH4 is the better choice. Since its screen is touch sensitive, you’re able to adjust your settings swiftly. It’s unlike the Sony a6000 which has a settings menu that’s tough to understand and navigate.

 Furthermore, the GH4 has a much longer battery life than that of the Sony a6000. Even when shooting in 4K, this camera still lasts considerably long which increases your productivity. And, of course, like you could probably already deduce from our last statement, this camera shoots in 4K – another area where the GH4 outperforms the Sony a6000.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Where Both Cameras Get It Wrong

The Sony a6000 and the GH4 both lack image stabilization which could create an issue with blurry images. You’d have to be sure to use a tripod or any other stabilizing gear to support your camera, especially if the lenses are long, if you want your images to be perfect.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Our Opinion On The Price/Value Ratio

So, are these cameras worth your money? From all we found comparing the Sony a6000 vs GH4, we think these cameras give fantastic value for money.

There’s the Sony a6000 on the one hand which sells for less than half of a thousand bucks. And then there’s also the Panasonic GH4 which sells for more than a thousand bucks. Considering all they give you, we’d say these cameras are a pretty cool deal.

An APS-C sensor, great low light ability, 24 megapixel sensor resolution, as well as a great video mode, the Sony a6000 is quite affordable. However, for its price, you should expect compromises as usual. For instance, the battery life sucks, the video mode isn’t perfect. There’s no external mic input which affects sound quality.

The camera also shoots strictly in 1080p which isn’t so bad, plus, it’s characteristic of cameras of certain price tags. And then again, there’s the lack of environmental sealing which is understandable for the price.

Most Sony cameras are generally weather-sealed but their lower-priced cameras usually lack this feature. Just like they also lack image stabilization.

At a price that’s only a couple of hundreds above $1000, the GH4 also has a cool price/value ratio. You’re getting a beautiful camera with a touch sensitive LCD screen, amazing 4K video, impressive battery life and a selfie-friendly LCD screen as well.

So, yes both cameras are quite worth the money.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Comparative Brand Strengths

Sony is one of the largest brands when it comes to camera makers in North America as well as in Europe. Panasonic, on the other hand, while a big brand is not quite as large when it comes to market share. What’s the same for both brands though, is that they each have their niches and the photography community knows it well.

For Sony, customers have come to depend on the brand for full frame cameras. Plus, in terms of low light capability, Sony also leads the pack.

Panasonic, on the other hand, is practically a champion when it comes to video. Four thirds sensors are also another area where Panasonic leads Sony.

The big bone of contention usually is about whether Panasonic does great with its stills or not. The market seems to be a bit divided on this matter with banter going back and forth on that. But we guess beauty lies in the eye of the beholder so we will let you be the judge of that.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Comparison Overview Of Major Specs And Features

	Sony a6000	Panasonic GH4
Announcement Date	23rd April, 2014	7th February, 2014
Sensor Resolution	24 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor	16 Megapixel Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
LCD Screen	3 Inch Tilting Screen	3 Inch Fully Articulated Screen
Touch Screen	No	Yes
LCD Screen Resolution	922k dots	1.036k dots
Viewfinder	1440k dot Electronic Viewfinder	2359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
Dynamic Range	13.1	12.8
Continuous Shooting	11 Frames Per Second	12 Frames Per Second
Max Shutter Speed	1/4000 second	1/8000 second
Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels	4096 x 2160 pixels
Focus Points	179	49
Color Depth	24.1	23.2
Low Light ISO	1347	791
Sensor Pixel Area	15.28µm2	14.12µm2
Microphone/Headphone port	No	Yes
Flash Coverage	6.0 meters	17.0 meters
Flash Sync Port	No	Yes
4K Photo Mode	No	Yes
Post Focus Mode	No	Yes
Battery Life	360 shots	500 shots
Weather Sealing	No	Yes
AE Bracketing Range	±5 EV	±3 EV
NFC Connection	Yes	No
UHS Memory Card Support	UHS-I	None
	Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Which Situation Is Each Camera Best For?

Sony a6000	Panasonic GH4
First off, we recommend the Sony a6000 for anyone who wants to travel light and needs a camera. If you want a camera that takes awesome pictures without necessarily becoming too bulky that it slows you down, the Sony a6000 is for you.   Besides that, the Sony a6000, in our opinion, is a beginner camera. We foresee professionals having a number of issues using the Sony a6000.   In the first place, the video mode is not amazing and the sound quality isn’t so good. This is also one of the reasons we like to think that the Sony a6000 is more of a photography camera than a camera for video shooting.   Beginners should note though that the menu of the Sony a6000 might take a bit of getting used to. It requires a pretty steep learning curve. So, you might want to check out some tutorial videos on Youtube to navigate the settings.   The Sony a6000 is also a rock star when it comes to low light. In comparison to the GH4, you’ll be better off using the Sony a6000 for low light situations or any other situations where excellent lighting isn’t assured.	The Panasonic GH4 is sweet especially for video. If you came to this review looking to get a camera for your videography needs, then between the Sony a6000 vs GH4, we’d advise you to go for the GH4. It shoots in 4K (and you can also record in 1080p) as well and sound quality is amazing unlike the Sony a6000.   With a four-thirds sensor, the GH4 is also a pretty small, lightweight camera. It’s easy to move the camera around. Plus, it also has great ergonomics as well.   If you’re a one man Youtuber or you take a lot of selfies, the GH4 makes a great choice thanks to its fully articulated screen. And for those who like to make quick changes to their settings suddenly, the touch sensitivity of the LCD screen of the GH4 is a big bonus.   Another good thing about the GH4 is its versatility. The camera works with all kinds of glass and all kinds of adapters. If you already have your glass which you’re used to, rather than spend money getting different gear, you can easily use them on the GH4.
Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Which Features Do They Have In Common?

These two cameras, although quite different and from different manufacturers, also have quite a number of areas of similarity. Our side by side comparison of the Sony a6000 vs GH4 will help us uncover those areas.

In this detailed review, we are also going to be explaining these areas one after the other. So, pay close attention as we uncover these features.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 1: High ISO

The comparison of the Sony a6000 vs GH4 shows that both of these cameras have the same ISO. Thankfully, the ISO of these cameras are quite satisfactory. The ISO is high enough for professionals to be able to comfortably work with each camera.

Of course there’s always that challenge of noise when it comes to high ISO. However, that’s easy to control once you know the proper techniques to use.

Plus, if you’re shooting in RAW, chances of getting noisy photos might increase. However, that’s easily solved once you have the right software. So you need not worry.

Besides, higher ISOs are important if you’re going to be working with smaller aperture settings or faster shutter speeds. This is the reason professionals usually reach out for cameras with a high enough ISO.

That said, we are also going to be comparing low light ISO in the Sony a6000 vs GH4. One thing you probably already know if you’re a camera aficionado is that Sony makes the best low light cameras. So, oftentimes, when low light capabilities are being discussed and Sony is in the question, it’s practically a no-brainer. Sony wins hands down.

The same holds true in the battle of the Sony a6000 vs GH4. The Sony a6000 is the better camera in terms of low light performance. The Sony a6000 comes with 1347 stops while the Panasonic GH4 comes with a low light ISO of 791.

In fact, 1347 is a pretty low for Sony but then again this isn’t a pro Sony camera. So, that’s understandable.

Another reason Sony a6000 does a better job than the GH4 in terms of low light is its sensor size and sensor pixel area. On both terms, the Sony a6000 does a better job. Hence, if you need to make choice for indoor photography, weddings, or any such event where ideal lighting isn’t assured, then go for the Sony a6000.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 2: LCD Screen

Like every other camera, the presence of an LCD screen is something you also find when comparing the Sony a6000 vs GH4. Like in modern cameras, these screens are articulating, although to varying degrees. But besides the articulation of these screens, we are also going to be looking at screen resolution as well as touch sensitivity.

First, we compare articulation. Both screens are articulated which means that you can tilt them to certain angles in order to make your work more convenient. However, there are different degrees of articulation. The Sony a6000 has a tilting screen. However, the GH4 has a fully articulated screen. This means that the screen rotates completely such that you can get it to face you.

Of course, being fully articulated, the GH4 naturally has an edge over the Sony a6000. A fully articulated screen means the screen is selfie-friendly. It’s also a great choice for those who shoot one-man videos as you can more conveniently adjust the screen to a position that’s convenient for you.

Even though both cameras are articulated, the fully articulated screen of the Panasonic GH4 gives the user increased convenience.

In terms of touch sensitivity, the Sony a6000 lacks that feature while the Panasonic GH4 has it. This makes the Panasonic GH4 a better choice if you’re constantly changing settings and making adjustments on the go. You no longer have to go after buttons just like what you have on the Sony a6000.

Lastly, we compare screen resolutions. As you know, this affects how clearly images and videos appear on the screen of your camera. The GH4 has a pretty sharp LCD screen at 1.036k dots and the Sony a6000 comes only slightly below at 922k dots.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 3:  Dynamic Range

The dynamic range of a camera is quite important and should be considered when choosing a camera. The reason for this is that it determines how well your camera performs in bright light, especially in the sun.

A dynamic range that is good enough ensures that when you take photos under the sun, your camera captures all the details. Generally, when the dynamic range of a camera is not good enough or properly set, the camera might lose a lot of details to the highlights and shadows.

According to the experts, a good camera should have a dynamic range that falls in between 12 and 14. There may also be times when the dynamic range of a camera edges closer to 15, that’s also good. In fact, it is great.

Alright now, comparing the Sony a6000 vs GH4, you find that they both have dynamic ranges that are good enough. The Sony a6000 sports a dynamic range of 13.1 while the GH4 has a dynamic range of 12.8 stops. As you can see, the dynamic ranges of these cameras are close to each other. They are also pretty good.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 4: RAW Support

RAW support is common with modern day cameras. Every modern camera comes with the ability to shoot in RAW photos. And why would anyone not want to shoot in RAW these days? RAW photos are both clear and truly beautiful in quality. Plus, editing them is a lot of fun for a number of reasons.

First off, you get to do some non-destructive editing.

What is non-destructive editing? With non-destructive editing, the quality of the image is preserved whatever the kind of editing you do. So, should you undo any editing done to the image, it retains that same image quality as when you first shot it.

Also, RAW photos are easier to correct than any other kind of image. Whether its exposure or white balance, even in the case of a noisy photo, RAW photos are typically easier. You simply correct using the appropriate software and then you can have your image looing great.

Now, there’s a reason RAW photos are called raw. When you shoot in RAW mode, the photos you get are uncompressed and unprocessed. So, they come out looking muted and flatish but also quite large.

In their raw form, RAW photos are not shareable unlike JPEG images. JPEG images are smaller and also processed right after the shot. However, they don’t hold all the editing potential that RAW photos hold.

If you don’t already have a good editing software, consider getting one. You should also consider upgrading your computer if it’s an old one so that it’s more up to speed for what it will be doing.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 VS GH4 Common Feature 5: Electronic Viewfinders

A mirrorless camera lacks a mirror and comes with an electronic viewfinder. DSLR cameras, on the other hand, come with mirrors and an optical viewfinder. How does that affect camera performance? We’re about to find out.

Well, the absence of mirrors in mirrorless cameras makes them less bulky and more compact. This is a reason many people go for them over DSLRs. They are more convenient especially if you need a camera for daily photography or for travel.

Now, mirrorless cameras do not have the same image quality as DSLRs. However, with the advancement in technology, mirrorless cameras are really beginning to meet up. Many professionals now actually go for mirrorless cameras as cameras of first choice, although they also still have DSLR cameras as well.

Comparing electronic viewfinders and optical viewfinders. Electronic viewfinders have the advantage of showing you images just as the camera sees it unlike optical viewfinders. This is important because it means that your photos come out just as the viewfinder displayed. This makes the learning curve for using mirrorless cameras much shorter than DSLRs.

With DSLRs, on the other hand, it would take a while for you to understand the difference between your image on the viewfinder and how it would actually come out in the end.

In addition to that, electronic viewfinders also display much more information than optical viewfinders. This makes the camera more interactive to work with than with the optical viewfinders.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 6: Fast Shutter Speed

In our world today, faster is better and that’s not lost to the world of photography, especially when it comes to shutter speed.

Most modern cameras come with a max shutter speed of either 1/4000 second or 1/8000 second. The same also goes for the Sony a6000 and GH4.

The Sony a6000 has a max shutter speed of 1/4000 second. That’s because the Sony a6000 isn’t one of Sony’s pro cameras. Sony’s pro cameras typically have a max shutter speed of 1/8000 second which is same with the max shutter speed of the Panasonic GH4. And yes, the shutter speeds of both cameras can also slow down to 30 seconds.

That said, shutter speed affects the performance of your camera and how your photo turns out in terms of quality. It’s safe to say that different kinds of photography call for different shutter speeds. So, with the range of 1/4000 second or 1/8000 second (as the case may be) to 30 seconds, you have a lot to play with.

Typically, you’d use the faster shutter speeds for taking objects in motion. Also, in fast-paced scenes where sudden, unpredictable movements are common, like sports, wildlife, or such scenes, faster shutter speeds are the preferred option. They make for less blurry images and together with more frames per second, they allow you take as many photos as possible.

Plus, a faster shutter speed is important for working with high ISO. Together with reducing aperture settings, working with a high ISO while using a faster shutter speed reduces the chances of noise ruining your images.

But just like faster shutter speeds, slower shutter speeds are also necessary. Although they tend to create a blur around moving objects, that blur could even come in handy. For instance, to create a sense of speed, a slower shutter speed can be used instead of a faster shutter speed when taking photographs of moving automobiles. The blur around the tires will create that sense of speed which is great for marketing.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 7: Focus Points

Still on the Sony a6000 vs GH4, we’re looking at the common features these two cameras share. Another point is that the two cameras come with a good number of focus points. However, the Sony a6000 does better and has way more focus points than the Panasonic GH4.

Focus points are great and important for the correct focusing and exposure of any image you’re photographing. The more the focus points, the more the camera can focus on a good number of aspects of the scene per time. Plus, more focus points also mean that autofocusing is faster which is less frustrating for the camera user.

Although the Panasonic GH4 has more focus points than the Sony a6000, you could say both cameras have many focus points. And this is great news for photographers that tend to shoot in fast-paced scenes a lot.

With more focus points, there’s a higher chance of the image remaining in focus even if it suddenly moves away from focus. Photographers that shoot babies and pets could also work with either of these cameras as well.

Nonetheless, because the Sony a6000 has way more focus points, it might be a much better option for fast-paced scenes and photographing babies and pets.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 8: Continuous Shooting

Still on the Sony a6000 vs GH4, we now discuss the continuous shooting feature of these two cameras.

Continuous shooting refers to how your camera takes photos simultaneously once the shutter release button is pressed down. The number of frames per second the camera has usually determines just how many photos that camera would take in one second when the shutter release button is held down.

In the case of the Sony a6000, that number is 11 frames per second. But in the case of the Panasonic GH4, that number is 12 frames per second. So, with the Sony a6000, you get 11 pictures per second while with the Panasonic GH4, you get 12 frames per second. For their price and purpose, these are pretty good numbers and we can say we’re impressed somewhat.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 9: Time Lapse Recording

Time lapse recording is a really cool feature and we’re always excited to see it on any camera. In the case of the Sony a6000 vs GH4, both cameras come with time lapse recording. The only difference is that time lapse recording on the Sony a6000 is accessed through the optional app unlike the GH4.

If you want to create mesmerizing videos of a process that took a long time, maybe even days, time lapse recording can come in handy. By speeding up the course of events up to a factor of thousands or even millions, either of these cameras can help you create time lapse videos that are totally awesome.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 Common Feature 10: No Image Stabilization

The final common feature between these two – the Sony a6000 vs GH4 – is their lack of image stabilization. So, it’s not exactly a feature but it’s a characteristic these two cameras share. So, what does this lack of image stabilization mean for the photographer using either the Sony a6000 or the Panasonic GH4?

Well, in the first place, you should understand that image stabilization is important. If you want to get images that are sharp and not blurry, then you need image stabilization. It’s especially important when you’re using long lenses and taking your photos with a camera handheld.

Now there are two types of image stabilization – built-in image stabilization and optical image stabilization. Built-in image stabilization means that the stabilization occurs in the sensor while for optical image stabilization, the stabilization occurs in the lenses.

Usually, Sony uses the built-in form of image stabilization more than the optical image stabilization. However, in this camera – the Sony a6000 – built-in image stabilization is absent. But then again, this is an older and rather inexpensive camera. So, that’s somewhat expected.

The Panasonic GH4, on the other hand, does not come with any form of image stabilization which we find rather worrisome especially for the price.

Your best bet with either camera therefore, is to support them with some form of rig. You could use a tripod stand, for instance. Basically, any form of support that could help to reduce camera shake and then keep your photos straight.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Features Unique To Each Camera

It’s been a really educative trip looking through the Sony a6000 vs GH4. However, this time, we will now be checking out areas where each of these cameras have unique features. Because these cameras are quite different from each other, there a quite a few areas to mention. Let’s see what’s here.

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Features Unique To The Sony a6000

APS-C Crop Sensor

In comparing the sensor of the Sony a6000 vs the Panasonic GH4, you find that the Sony a6000 has a larger sensor than that of the Panasonic GH4. The Sony a6000 has an APS-C sensor size which, of course, is less expensive and makes for a more compact camera than full frame.

APS-C sensors and other smaller sensors are typically used for beginner cameras due to cost. Now, let’s see exactly how this works when it comes to taking photos.

Because crop sensors are smaller than full frames, they typically take a smaller, tighter view of the field than full frames. Also, crop sensors don’t have the advantage of that bokeh effect (that shallow depth of field) that full frame sensors typically have.

However, they are more cost effective than full frame sensors. And it’s not just about the upfront cost of the camera, it’s also about running costs.

For people who are into telephotography, for instance, working with full frame cameras can be a bit expensive. Especially if you’re not yet professional and photography isn’t exactly paying yet, you might want to consider working with crop sensor cameras first. You might find out that you spend about a third of what you might have spent if you had worked with full frame sensors.

And then again, crop sensors are also easier to carry around because they are lighter, smaller and more compact. However, they do not perform as well as full frame cameras in low light which might be a small disadvantage.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

24 Megapixel Sensor Resolution

The sensor resolution of the Sony a6000 is quite sharp. We are looking at 24 megapixels here which is pretty awesome. It will reflect in the sharpness and quality of your images.

Even though megapixels are not everything about picture quality and clarity that you need to know, they are also fundamental to picture quality. For instance, there are some things you won’t be able to do with your photos if they are not sharp enough.

Two of those things are cropping and picture enlargement. If your camera’s sensor isn’t sharp enough, then you won’t be able to carry out either activity on your photos. So, yes, megapixels could matter a lot or less depending.

With 24 megapixels, you should be able to print in really large sizes, up to 20 inches by 30. Plus, you should also be able to crop your photos as much as you want.

So, overall, image quality from this camera is pretty good and impressive.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

1920 x 1080 Pixel Video Resolution

The Sony a6000 shoots in 1080p only. So there’s no 4K here but then again, that’s not a big deal anyway. 1080p or full HD is a fantastic video resolution and many professionals work solely in 1080p. Plus, at this price point, shooting in 1080 is great.

The absence of 4K might seem like a letdown, but then you want to remember that this is one of Sony’s least sophisticated cameras. It’s an entry-level camera, and so, it’s weird to expect 4k from such a camera.

Moreover, 4K is typically more challenging for beginners to work with than 1080. It’s also more expensive especially if the person in question does not have a good computer with a fast processor.

So, said photographer would have to get a better computer with a fast processor. Also, you’d have to get software to edit your videos afterward. For a beginner, this might be added expense that they might not be ready to afford just yet. Let’s not also forget that editing 4K videos requires some skill as well. Skills that a beginner might not have just yet.

Now, here’s a challenge though. The Sony a6000 lacks a microphone port. It does have a built-in microphone though but even that might not suffice in some situations. This means that sound quality might be an issue when recording with this camera. You want to keep that in mind and make arrangements for how you’d remedy that. One way is to record the audio separately and then mix into the video during post-production.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Features Unique To The Panasonic GH4

Four-Thirds Sensor

The Panasonic GH4 has the same sensor as its big brother – the Panasonic GH5. However, as you can guess, the four thirds sensor is a little smaller than an APS-C crop sensor. It measures at 17.3 x 13 millimeters which, though decent, is also a little limiting. But then again, that’s common among Panasonic cameras. In fact, Panasonic has a line of cameras – Panasonic Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras.

A four thirds sensor is larger than a 1 inch sensor. But, like we said, it’s smaller than the APS-C crop sensor. So, it falls in between these two sensor sizes when it comes to performance as well. Although a relatively new sensor size, four third sensors are pretty popular among beginners especially because of their size and weight.

Of course, in terms of pictures and field of view, a four thirds sensor would give an even tighter field of view than an APS-C sensor. Also, depth of field would definitely not be as shallow as well.

But then again, they are less expensive when compared to full frames and even APS-C sensors. Also, they do pretty well in image quality as well. Some of them even compete favorably with DSLRs.

 18 Megapixel Sensor Resolution

The sensor resolution of the Panasonic GH4 comes at 18 megapixels. It’s not super fantastic but it’s great, it’s okay, and it works. At 18 megapixels, you could say the resolution of the sensor is somewhat high. So, it should be able to print fairly large pictures. Plus, you can also crop pictures from this camera fairly aggressively.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

4K Video Resolution

Alright, so with the Panasonic GH4, you get to shoot in 4K which is unlike what you have with the Sony a6000. In fact, when we talk about the Panasonic GH4, there’s something you should know. It’s mostly discussed and viewed as a camera for videography than a camera for photography. The greatest strength of the GH4 is its fantastic video.

We already explained the demands of 4K earlier so we won’t get back to that. However, one thing is sure and that’s the fact that shooting in 4K is definitely the future. In fact, right now, 8K is already in the offing.

Anyway, to the video quality of the Panasonic GH4.

The Panasonic GH4 is mind blowing! It shoots in ultra HD/DCI quality 4K, and guess what? All that is shot internally! This means that you don’t have to carry extra gear around in the form if external HDMI recorders. This makes for a lighter and more convenient travel.

Also, if your project is supposed to be in 1080, that’s not a problem. Simply crop different framing options still in the 4K mode and you’re good to go.

What’s even more impressive? The GH4 can record up to 200 megabits per second intra. And besides that you can also record a number of bitrate options internally as well.

At 200 megabits per second, you have more than enough material to work with during postproduction. The raw 4K video footage from the Panasonic GH4 is great material to work on whether for green screen, color grading, or intense graphic work. You’d definitely enjoy working with your footage.

Besides that, the Panasonic GH4 makes a fine choice if you shoot in fast-paced scenes. The Panasonic GH4 is great for fast-panning. Nevertheless, in low light, the GH4 doesn’t do as well. It will perform well in excellent lighting to average lighting. However, in poor lighting, unlike a Sony camera, the GH4 does just barely well.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Weather Sealing

The last unique feature we will be looking at on the Panasonic GH4 is weather sealing, the GH4 is weather-sealed. This means that you can use the camera in unpredictable weather condition. And even with constant use, the camera remains rugged. This is great as it assures you of durability of the camera body.

So, in comparison – the Sony a6000 vs GH4, the Sony a6000 is a more durable camera than the GH4 which is, of course, of a bigger advantage.

Get the Sony a6000 here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Unique Pros

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Pros Unique To The Sony a6000

• The Sony a6000 comes with sharper sensor resolution at 24 megapixels. This makes it a great option for aggressive croppers and those who like to print their pictures in really large sizes.
• It also has more focus points than the Panasonic GH4 which is lovely for action photography. Photographers who mostly deal with babies and pets also need this camera as well.
• It’s the lighter camera of the two which means it’s more convenient to lug around.
• Better color depth and dynamic range at 24.1 and 13.1.
• Low light capability is far better than that of the GH4 with a low light ISO of 1347.
• Slightly larger sensor pixel area is also an advantage.
• This camera is way more affordable than the GH4. Of course, this is expected considering the features it offers. Besides, the price tag on this camera makes it a fine choice for beginners just starting out on their photography interests.
• It comes with an NFC connection which is great for instant pairing, making transfers of photos and videos quick and hassle-free.
• It also supports UHS memory cards.

Get the Sony a6000 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Pros Unique To The Panasonic GH4

• The LCD screen of the Panasonic GH4 is fully articulated and it also comes touch sensitive as well. This is a huge pro as it is convenient and the touch sensitivity of the screen makes it easier and faster to make adjustments to your camera settings.
• It also has a faster max shutter speed of 1/8000 second.
• Continuous shooting is faster by 1 frame. It comes with a 12 frames per second continuous shooting feature.
• Unlike the a6000, the GH4 comes with both a microphone and a headphone port which bodes good things for sound quality.
• This camera comes weather-sealed which ensures the durability of the camera’s body. It also makes the camera usable in unpredictable weather conditions.
• The GH4 has a wider flash coverage at 17 meters vs that of the Sony a6000 which comes in at 6 meters.
• The GH4 has a sharper electronic viewfinder.
• You get to shoot in 4K on the GH4 but that’s not all. At this price point, the Sony GH4 is probably one of the best camera you could possibly lay your hands on for videography. The potentials are just amazing!
• There’s a flash sync port on the Panasonic GH4 which makes the camera wonderful for flash photography.
• You also get 4K photo mode as well as post focus mode.

Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 VS GH4 – Unique Cons

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Cons Unique To The Sony a6000

• LCD screen is not fully articulated and also lacks touch sensitivity. It’s also not quite as sharp as the screen of the Panasonic GH4.
• Battery life is not as long as that of the GH4. You get only 360 shots for a single recharge which is quite poor.
• There’s no microphone port on this camera which could affect sound quality in your videos. Getting good audio quality on your Sony a6000 requires a bit of cleverness.
• This camera does not come weather-sealed which affects the durability of the camera. You should be careful how and where you use this camera. Very importantly, limit its use outdoors and in times of unpredictable weather. This camera is not built to endure moisture or dust.
• There’s no 4K mode in the Sony a6000 which is not a deal breaker for us, by the way. Full HD for this price is good enough for us.
• It lacks a flash sync port as well.
• LCD screen is not quite selfie-friendly.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Cons Unique To The Panasonic GH4

• The sensor of the GH4 is not quite as sharp at 16 megapixels.
• The GH4 is the heavier camera of the two.
• In low light, the GH4 is not such a wonderful camera even though it shoots fantastic video. This camera would only do well in fantastic or, at worst, average lighting.
• Also, the sensor of the GH4 is quite small which affects image quality and low light performance just a little bit.
• The Panasonic GH4 lacks the NFC feature which would have made for instant pairing with all kinds of devices. This would have been a really great way to complement the wireless connection which it has.
• In terms of cost, the GH4 is far more expensive than the Sony a6000. But then again, comparing the features of both cameras, it’s quite understandable why the GH4 is much pricier than the Sony a6000.
• The GH4 does not support UHS cards.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Common Pros

Sony a6000	Panasonic GH4
This camera comes with a wireless connection which makes it easier to instantly upload, edit and share your photos and videos and shooting them.	The GH4 also comes with a wireless connection.
The Sony a6000 comes with a tilting screen which is really convenient for use.	That of the GH4 is even more convenient and selfie-friendly as the screen is fully articulated.
This camera comes with a built-in flash.	Same goes for the GH4.
It comes with an external flash shoe	Same goes for the Panasonic GH4
The Sony a6000 comes with face detection focus.	Also applies to the GH4.
Continuous shooting is good enough at 11 frames per second.	The GH4 comes in even slightly higher at 12 frames per second.
You get smartphone remote control with the Sony a6000	You also get smartphone remote control with the GH4.
Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – Common Cons

Sony a6000	Panasonic GH4
The Sony a6000 does not come with image stabilization.	Also lacks image stabilization.

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – General Feeling Among Users

Sony a6000	Panasonic GH4
How did users feel about their camera? Well, first off, the camera felt good to the touch for most users. Plus the light weight and the size of the camera also came as huge pros for the camera. The portability of the camera made it quite an attractive choice for most users. We saw many users take this on several journeys and adventures.   Besides that, the LCD screen was also loved for the fact that it tilts making it more convenient to use.   The testimony about the image quality is quite encouraging. Pictures from the camera are quite clear and beautiful. And, generally, users loved their photos.   Video mode was a bit of a disappointment though. However, it looked like many expected that. In low light though, this camera did exceptionally well. But for video, the camera was just meh for most and the absence of an external microphone hack only served to make matters worse.   Something else that Sony didn’t quite get right and customers complained about was the menu of the camera. The settings took a while to learn and adjust to. Some even said they had to watch loads of videos to understand how the camera works and still weren’t quite able to figure it out.   Plus, it tends to overheat after about half an hour of continuous video shooting. And then the battery life is a bit disappointing.   Overall though, this camera got good reviews from the users.	The Panasonic GH4 got a lot of five star reviews from its customers. So, it’s obvious that they were happy with their purchase.   Just like the Sony a6000, the GH4 was also praised for its size and weight. Users were able to easily travel around with the camera which was a blessing for most.   Another thing customers were really excited about was the fact that the GH4 comes really versatile, with a fairly inexpensive adapter, a Nikon user was able to use the Nikon glass they owned which made things easier for the user.   As for the battery life of the camera, most customers were most impressed. Also, the 4K video resolution was a lot of fun to play with for the GH4 users. And customers also found that even when shooting in 4K, the battery still lasted quite long enough.   Now, here’s something that was quite confusing for users. In photography mode, the autofocusing was excellent. However, when in video mode, the autofocus became less than standard. It wasn’t a general complaint but still keep an eye out for that.   Finally, even though the GH4 is way more expensive than the Sony a6000, many still considered this a terrific bang for their buck. The low light capability might not have been the best but it seems all was forgiven. It’s easy to see that people loved their camera.
Get the Sony a6000 here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a6000 Vs GH4 – In Conclusion

What’s our choice? Well, that’s quite obvious from the look of things. The Panasonic GH4 is a much better camera than the Sony a6000. Its features are more sophisticated especially in video mode. Moreover, sound quality, and video quality itself were really good especially since you could fix your external mic to the camera.

Do we like the Sony a6000? Of course. It’s lightweight and really compact which is a benefit that the camera shares with the Panasonic GH4. However, it also does things in low light that the Panasonic GH4 can’t even begin to think of achieving.

However, when it comes to versatility and convenience, the better choice would be the Panasonic GH4.

Get the Sony a6000 here!

Get the Panasonic GH4 here!