Panasonic G10 vs Pentax P80

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic G10 and Pentax P80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the G10 (12MP) and the P80 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the G10 (Four Thirds) and P80 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G10 was revealed 13 months later than the P80 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the G10 matches up against the P80 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and Pentax Optio P80. The full galleries are available at Panasonic G10 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G10 features physical dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 2.9") along with a weight of 388 grams (0.86 lbs) whilst the Pentax P80 has measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic G10 and Pentax P80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the G10 vs the P80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G10 and P80 is 72 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the G10 and P80.

As you can see, each of the cameras have the same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The G10 provides the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field easier. The more modern G10 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.