Panasonic G1 vs Pentax K-500

Let's examine more in depth at the Panasonic G1 vs Pentax K-500, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The G1 was revealed 5 years before the K-500 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a short summary of how the G1 grades against the K-500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G1 provides physical measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic G1 vs Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the G1 versus the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the G1 and K-500 is 82 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the G1 and K-500.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-500 will provide greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older G1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.