Panasonic GH4 vs Pentax K-1

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic GH4 vs Pentax K-1, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the GH4 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the GH4 (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) posses different sensor sizing.

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The GH4 was introduced 24 months before the K-1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the GH4 matches up versus the K-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 & Pentax K-1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH4 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH4 features outer measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") along with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has proportions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") and a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GH4 vs Pentax K-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the GH4 versus the K-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the GH4 and K-1 is 66 and 55 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements only by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the GH4 and K-1.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GH4 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-1 will provide more detail using its extra 20MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older GH4 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.