Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we will be matching up the Panasonic GF1 and Pentax K-500, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF1 was introduced 5 years earlier than the K-500 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the GF1 matches up against the K-500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera often, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF1 enjoys outside dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF1 and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF1 vs the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and K-500 is 85 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by viewing specifications. The picture here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GF1 and K-500.

To sum up, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GF1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-500 will provide you with more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged GF1 will be behind in sensor tech.