Panasonic L1 vs Pentax WS80

Below, we are matching up the Panasonic L1 vs Pentax WS80, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and WS80 (10MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The L1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the WS80 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the L1 matches up against the WS80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Pentax Optio WS80. The full galleries are available at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Pentax WS80 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 offers outside measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) whilst 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).

Examine the Panasonic L1 vs Pentax WS80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the L1 versus the WS80.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the L1 and WS80 is 65 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by going over specifications. The graphic below will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the L1 and WS80.

Plainly, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The L1 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax WS80 will offer more detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older L1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.