Panasonic G1 vs Pentax K-30

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic G1 versus Pentax K-30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and K-30 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G1 was introduced 4 years before the K-30 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the G1 grades versus the K-30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 & Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic G1 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic G1 enjoys external measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") having a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic G1 versus Pentax K-30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the G1 and the K-30.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the G1 and K-30 is 82 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading specifications. The image below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the G1 and K-30.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The G1 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-30 will offer you more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more aged G1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.