Panasonic GX850 vs Pentax S1

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic GX850 vs Pentax S1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GX850 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is relatively similar but the GX850 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GX850 was released 5 years later than the S1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the GX850 grades against the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 & Pentax Optio S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GX850 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GX850 has got external measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 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).

See the Panasonic GX850 vs Pentax S1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the GX850 vs the S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GX850 and S1 is 90 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The visual underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GX850 and S1.

All in all, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GX850 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GX850 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The younger GX850 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.