Panasonic L1 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we are analyzing the Panasonic L1 and Pentax K-500, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was released 7 years prior to the K-500 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the L1 scores against the K-500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic L1 comes with exterior dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic L1 and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the L1 compared to the K-500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the L1 and K-500 is 65 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over specifications. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L1 and K-500.

Plainly, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The L1 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-500 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older L1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.