Panasonic GF6 vs Pentax S1

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic GF6 and Pentax S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GF6 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the GF6 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF6 was manufactured 2 years later than the S1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the GF6 scores vs the S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 & Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GF6 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF6 has got outside measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 323 grams (0.71 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF6 and Pentax S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the GF6 vs the S1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GF6 and S1 is 87 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by going through technical specs. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GF6 and S1.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GF6 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic GF6 will produce more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The newer GF6 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.