Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax K-r

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the Panasonic GX1 versus Pentax K-r, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the GX1 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the GX1 (Four Thirds) and K-r (APS-C) use different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GX1 was revealed 12 months later than the K-r so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple overview of how the GX1 matches up vs the K-r in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Pentax K-r. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX1 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GX1 comes with outer dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GX1 versus Pentax K-r in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the GX1 vs the K-r.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GX1 and K-r is 87 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The visual below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GX1 and K-r.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GX1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic GX1 will offer more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher GX1 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.