Panasonic G1 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic G1 versus Pentax ist DS2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the G1 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the G1 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The G1 was brought out 3 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the G1 grades vs the ist DS2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G1 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic G1 comes with exterior dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G1 versus Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the G1 and the ist DS2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the G1 and ist DS2 is 82 and 68 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions simply by looking at technical specs. The image here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the G1 and ist DS2.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The G1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic G1 will give extra detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The newer G1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.