Panasonic GH1 vs Pentax K-r

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic GH1 versus Pentax K-r, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is fairly well matched but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The GH1 was unveiled 20 months before the K-r making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the GH1 scores against the K-r with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and Pentax K-r. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH1 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH1 has outside measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GH1 versus Pentax K-r in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the GH1 vs the K-r.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GH1 and K-r is 81 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the GH1 and K-r.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The GH1 offers the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier. The older GH1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.