Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-7

Here is a complete analysis of the Panasonic S1 and Pentax K-7, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the S1 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is relatively similar but the S1 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The S1 was released 16 months later than the K-7 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summary of how the S1 scores against the K-7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Pentax K-7. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax K-7 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S1 features external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Pentax K-7 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S1 and Pentax K-7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the S1 against the K-7.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and K-7 is 96 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over specifications. The graphic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the S1 and K-7.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-7 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern S1 should have a benefit in sensor technology.