Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax K-S1

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic GX8 and Pentax K-S1, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GX8 (20MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is very close but the GX8 (Four Thirds) and K-S1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The GX8 was announced 11 months after the K-S1 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the GX8 scores vs the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GX8 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic GX8 has got outer dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") along with a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has specifications of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GX8 and Pentax K-S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the GX8 and the K-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and K-S1 is 74 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through technical specs. The pic below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX8 and K-S1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have the same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The GX8 has got the smaller sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The fresher GX8 will have an advantage in sensor tech.