Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax S1

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax S1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GM1 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is very well matched but the GM1 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The GM1 was brought out 2 years after the S1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the GM1 scores versus the S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GM1 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM1 features outside dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") along with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the GM1 vs the S1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GM1 and S1 is 93 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GM1 and S1.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GM1 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic GM1 will give you extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer GM1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.