Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax K-r

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax K-r, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the GF8 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the GF8 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF8 was announced 5 years after the K-r which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the GF8 matches up versus the K-r with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 & Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GF8 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF8 features external dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax K-r in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the GF8 compared to the K-r.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF8 and K-r is 90 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over specifications. The picture below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF8 and K-r.

Plainly, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF8 having a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic GF8 will offer greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots much more aggressively. The fresher GF8 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.