Panasonic G1 vs Pentax VS20

Following is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic G1 and Pentax VS20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The G1 was announced 4 years before the VS20 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the G1 grades versus the VS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Pentax Optio VS20. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G1 enjoys outside dimensions 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 VS20 has dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic G1 and Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the G1 and the VS20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G1 and VS20 is 82 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading specs. The picture here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the G1 and VS20.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The G1 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax VS20 will offer extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged G1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.