Panasonic G1 vs Pentax P80

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic G1 and Pentax P80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the G1 (12MP) and the P80 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the G1 (Four Thirds) and P80 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

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The G1 was released 6 months prior to the P80 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the G1 matches up against the P80 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Pentax Optio P80. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G1 enjoys physical measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G1 and Pentax P80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the G1 compared to the P80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the G1 and P80 is 82 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the G1 and P80.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide the same MP albeit different sensor measurements. The G1 offers the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler.