Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax P70

On this page, we are analyzing the Panasonic GM1 and Pentax P70, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the GM1 (16MP) and P70 (12MP) and the GM1 (Four Thirds) and P70 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GM1 was announced 4 years after the P70 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the GM1 scores versus the P70 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 & Pentax Optio P70. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM1 Gallery & Pentax P70 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM1 offers external dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax P70 has dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Panasonic GM1 and Pentax P70 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the GM1 and the P70.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GM1 and P70 is 93 and 95 respectively.

Normally, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at specifications. The picture underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GM1 and P70.

To sum up, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GM1 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GM1 will give more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more modern GM1 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.