Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-S1

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic GM1 and Pentax K-S1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GM1 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the GM1 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The GM1 was introduced 8 months before the K-S1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the GM1 scores against the K-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 and Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM1 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GM1 offers outer measurements of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has sizing of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GM1 and Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the GM1 vs the K-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GM1 and K-S1 is 93 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The visual below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the GM1 and K-S1.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GM1 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-S1 will give you extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older GM1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.