Pentax K-1 vs Pentax P80

Lets take a closer look at the Pentax K-1 versus Pentax P80, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the K-1 (36MP) and P80 (12MP) and the K-1 (Full frame) and P80 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The K-1 was released 6 years later than the P80 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the K-1 matches up versus the P80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-1 & Pentax Optio P80. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax K-1 Gallery & Pentax P80 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax K-1 comes with physical dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs) while the Pentax P80 has sizing of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-1 versus Pentax P80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the K-1 compared to the P80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-1 and P80 is 55 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The visual below will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-1 and P80.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The K-1 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Pentax K-1 will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 24 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent K-1 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.