Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-01

On this page, we will be matching up the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-01, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and K-01 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF1 was announced 3 years before the K-01 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GF1 grades versus the K-01 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Pentax K-01. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic GF1 has outside measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has specifications of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") having a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-01 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the GF1 compared to the K-01.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and K-01 is 85 and 76 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF1 and K-01.

Clearly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GF1 having a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-01 will produce more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged GF1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.