Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-7

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic GF1 versus Pentax K-7, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is relatively well matched but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and K-7 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was introduced at a similar time to the K-7 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a concise view of how the GF1 grades vs the K-7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Pentax K-7. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Pentax K-7 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GF1 comes with external dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax K-7 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF1 versus Pentax K-7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the GF1 compared to the K-7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and K-7 is 85 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GF1 and K-7.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF1 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-7 will give greater detail using its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively.