Panasonic G85 vs Pentax K-500

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic G85 vs Pentax K-500, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the G85 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty similar but the G85 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The G85 was launched 2 years later than the K-500 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the G85 grades against the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic G85 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic G85 has got external dimensions of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic G85 vs Pentax K-500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the G85 compared to the K-500.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the G85 and K-500 is 69 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specs. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the G85 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with the identical MP albeit different sensor sizing. The G85 features the tinier sensor which will make getting shallower DOF harder. The fresher G85 should have an edge in sensor innovation.