Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-r

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic GM1 and Pentax K-r, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the GM1 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the GM1 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The GM1 was introduced 2 years later than the K-r and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a short summation of how the GM1 matches up versus the K-r for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 & Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM1 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GM1 offers exterior measurements of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") along with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Pentax K-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GM1 and Pentax K-r in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the GM1 against the K-r.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GM1 and K-r is 93 and 67 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GM1 and K-r.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GM1 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic GM1 will provide more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The younger GM1 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.