Panasonic S1R vs Pentax K-500

Below is a extended analysis of the Panasonic S1R vs Pentax K-500, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the S1R (47MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the S1R (Full frame) and K-500 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S1R was launched 5 years later than the K-500 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the S1R scores vs the K-500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S1R Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic S1R has got outside measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") and a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic S1R vs Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the S1R and the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the S1R and K-500 is 54 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S1R and K-500.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S1R featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic S1R will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 31MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent S1R will have an advantage in sensor tech.