Panasonic GX7 vs Pentax K-S1

Lets look a bit more closely at the Panasonic GX7 and Pentax K-S1, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GX7 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the GX7 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GX7 was unveiled 9 months prior to the K-S1 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the GX7 scores against the K-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 and Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX7 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GX7 provides outer measurements of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has specifications of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GX7 and Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the GX7 versus the K-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the GX7 and K-S1 is 81 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The visual below may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the GX7 and K-S1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GX7 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-S1 will give you greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older GX7 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.