Panasonic GX850 vs Pentax WS80

Below is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic GX850 and Pentax WS80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the GX850 (16MP) and WS80 (10MP) and the GX850 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The GX850 was brought out 7 years later than the WS80 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the GX850 scores versus the WS80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 and Pentax Optio WS80. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GX850 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX850 provides outside dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax WS80 has measurements of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GX850 and Pentax WS80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the GX850 versus the WS80.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the GX850 and WS80 is 90 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GX850 and WS80.

Clearly, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GX850 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic GX850 will render greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics more aggressively. The more modern GX850 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.