Canon G12 vs Pentax K-500

Here, we are reviewing the Canon G12 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Canon and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the G12 (10MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the G12 (1/1.7") and K-500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The G12 was manufactured 3 years prior to the K-500 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon G12 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise overview of how the G12 grades vs the K-500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot G12 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon G12 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon G12 offers physical dimensions of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") and a weight of 401 grams (0.88 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Canon G12 versus Pentax K-500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the G12 versus the K-500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G12 and K-500 is 83 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the G12 and K-500.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G12 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-500 will give you more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older G12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.