Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-1 II

In this article, we are contrasting the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-1 II, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and K-1 II (36MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and K-1 II (Full frame) possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF1 was released 9 years prior to the K-1 II which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the GF1 grades versus the K-1 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Pentax K-1 Mark II. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Pentax K-1 II Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic GF1 offers physical measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 II has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-1 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the GF1 compared to the K-1 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and K-1 II is 85 and 55 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF1 and K-1 II.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GF1 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-1 II will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 24MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged GF1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.