Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax K-r

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic XS1 and Pentax K-r, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the XS1 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the XS1 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The XS1 was introduced 23 months later than the K-r which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the XS1 matches up against the K-r with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 & Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic XS1 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic XS1 provides outside dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-r has sizing of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic XS1 and Pentax K-r in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the XS1 versus the K-r.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the XS1 and K-r is 97 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the XS1 and K-r.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XS1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic XS1 will offer extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The younger XS1 should have an advantage in sensor tech.