Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax S1

Let's look a little more in depth at the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax S1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF5 was released 14 months after the S1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the GF5 scores versus the S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Pentax Optio S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF5 has physical measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the GF5 vs the S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF5 and S1 is 89 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing a spec sheet. The image here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the GF5 and S1.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF5 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax S1 will produce more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern GF5 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.