Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax S1

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is very comparable but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The GM5 was unveiled 3 years later than the S1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GM5 scores against the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 & Pentax Optio S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM5 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM5 provides external dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax S1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax S1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the GM5 compared to the S1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the GM5 and S1 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the GM5 and S1.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GM5 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GM5 will provide more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively. The newer GM5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.