Panasonic G85 vs Pentax K100D

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic G85 versus Pentax K100D, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the G85 (16MP) and K100D (6MP) and the G85 (Four Thirds) and K100D (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The G85 was brought out 9 years later than the K100D and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the G85 scores vs the K100D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Pentax K100D. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic G85 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic G85 features outer dimensions of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has specifications of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Check the Panasonic G85 versus Pentax K100D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the G85 and the K100D.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the G85 and K100D is 69 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The graphic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the G85 and K100D.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G85 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic G85 will deliver more detail having its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger G85 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.