Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-30

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-30, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and K-30 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The GF1 was revealed 4 years earlier than the K-30 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the GF1 matches up vs the K-30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Pentax K-30. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF1 comes with outside 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-30 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the GF1 versus the K-30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and K-30 is 85 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF1 and K-30.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-30 will give you more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.