Panasonic LX100 II vs Pentax K-1 II: A Deep Dive into Two Different Worlds of Photography

Choosing the right camera often comes down to not just specs on a piece of paper but how those features translate into real-world performance across your photography passions. Today, I’m putting the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II, a large sensor compact camera, head-to-head with the Pentax K-1 Mark II, a full-frame advanced DSLR. They couldn’t be more different in form, sensor size, and intended use, yet both hold strong appeal for serious photographers.

Having tested thousands of cameras hands-on, I’ll unpack each model’s strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various photography disciplines - from portraits to landscapes, sports to street, and more - with an experienced eye on sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, and overall value.

Let’s get into it.

First Impressions: Form Factor, Handling, and Build Quality

The Panasonic LX100 II is a distillation of portability and high-quality imaging wrapped in a compact body. In stark contrast, the Pentax K-1 II wears its professional DSLR status on its sleeves with a robust mid-sized SLR build, evident in weight and dimensions.

At just 115x66x64 mm and weighing 392 g, the LX100 II is nimble and pocketable for travel, street, and casual shooting. The ergonomics favor quick one-handed operation, especially for those used to rangefinder-style cameras. The grip is subtle, leaning into a minimalist approach - good for grabbing the moment but not for an all-day heavy shoot without an extra grip.

The K-1 II measures 137x110x86 mm and weighs a hefty 1010 g. It demands respect and communicates readiness for serious work. The body is weather sealed, giving Pentax’s claim to midsize DSLR ruggedness credibility for outdoor, rough-weather shooting. Grip is deep and secure, designed to handle heavy lenses with confidence.

Panasonic’s interface sports a clean top plate with essential dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation but lacks a top LCD. The K-1 II has a more complex control layout, including a top status LCD, multiple customizable buttons, and dedicated dials - all tactile and satisfying. Both cameras feature manual focus options, but the DSLR’s mechanical feel is more pronounced.

Verdict: For grab-and-go versatility, the LX100 II takes the lead. For control-intensive, rugged use, the K-1 II is the dependable workhorse.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Compact vs. Full Frame

The sensor is at the heart of image quality, and here the difference between these two cameras is fundamental.

The LX100 II packs a 17-megapixel Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, about 225 mm². This sensor size is respectable in the compact class, paired with a fixed Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens with an effective 24-75mm zoom range and a fast aperture of f/1.7–2.8.

The K-1 II boasts a 36-megapixel full-frame sensor, 35.9 x 24 mm, giving it nearly 4x the sensor area of the Panasonic, delivering superior dynamic range, resolution, and low-light performance. It’s here that professional-level image quality shines through: 14-bit RAW files with no anti-aliasing filter, and ISO sensitivity extending up to 819,200 (yes, you read that right).

In practice, the LX100 II’s sensor delivers crisp, nicely detailed files with good color fidelity, excellent for web and moderate prints. The Four Thirds sensor’s smaller surface means more depth of field at equivalent apertures - a mixed blessing depending on whether you want creamy bokeh or sharp landscapes. Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor is adept at noise reduction and color reproduction but naturally limited by sensor size.

The Pentax K-1 II excels in large prints, studio work, and scenarios demanding clean, nuanced images. ISO performance is very impressive, outperforming smaller-sensor compacts in low light by significant margins, and providing superb gradation across highlights and shadows.

For photographers who print large or need extreme image fidelity, full frame remains the king. However, the LX100 II offers excellent image quality for a pocketable setup.

Autofocus Performance and Live View: Speed vs. Accuracy

Autofocus systems often reveal real-world usability differences more clearly than megapixel counts.

The LX100 II uses a contrast-detection AF system with 49 AF points and face detection. It supports touch-to-focus on its 3" fixed touchscreen and offers continuous AF tracking. The system is fast for a contrast-driven mechanism, especially in good light, but can struggle in dimmer situations or with fast-moving subjects.

The K-1 II employs a traditional phase-detection AF system with 33 focus points, including 25 cross-type, delivering high accuracy and speed with Pentax K-mount lenses. Additionally, it supports autofocus in live view with contrast detection but favors DSLRs’ classic optical AF through the pentaprism viewfinder for real-time, low-latency tracking.

For wildlife and sports shooting where fast subject tracking matters, the K-1 II’s autofocus is superior - especially paired with a telephoto prime or zoom. Conversely, the LX100 II’s AF is competent for street, travel, and casual portraiture but not designed for lightning-fast action capture.

LCD, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Both cameras offer live view but approach the viewing experience differently.

The Panasonic packs a 3-inch 1240k-dot touchscreen LCD, fixed in place. The touch interface is responsive, enabling easy focus point selection and menu navigation. However, the lack of articulation limits flexibility when shooting at waist level or overhead.

The Pentax K-1 II offers a fully-articulated 3.2-inch LCD with 1037k-dot resolution but notably lacks touchscreen functionality. This screen excels in flexibility, critical for macro, video, and awkward angles, but navigating menus requires buttons and dials. The K-1 II’s optical pentaprism viewfinder provides a bright, natural 100% frame coverage at 0.7x magnification - a classic DSLR optical experience.

Meanwhile, the LX100 II’s 2760k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offers eye-level preview with exposure simulation, a big plus in bright environments or when precision framing matters.

So, it’s EVF versatility for Panasonic versus the K-1 II’s optical clarity and articulating screen for Pentax.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

Here is a major structural difference. The Panasonic LX100 II uses a fixed 24-75mm equivalent Leica lens with a bright maximum aperture of f/1.7-2.8.

This lens covers a very useful general-purpose range ideal for portraits, street photography, and landscapes. The fast aperture allows for nice subject-background separation, as well as reasonable low-light shooting. However, you’re locked to this zoom range and optical character.

By contrast, the Pentax K-1 II is a interchangeable lens DSLR, compatible with the broad Pentax KAF4 mount lineup, which includes 151 lenses ranging from ultra wide to super telephoto and specialized optics.

This opens up immense creative potential for wildlife photographers, macro shooters, and professionals demanding specific optics. The downside is the bulk and cost of investing in lenses beyond the body.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Mechanisms

Both cameras offer in-body image stabilization (IBIS), albeit with different implementation.

The LX100 II provides optical image stabilization integrated with the lens, beneficial for handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds, especially in video.

The Pentax K-1 II sports sensor-shift 5-axis stabilization, one of the best implementations in a DSLR, helping compensate for pitch, yaw, roll, and X-Y shifts, crucial for handheld landscape and macro photography.

Shutter-wise, Panasonic offers an electronic shutter up to 1/16,000s and mechanical shutter speeds from 1/1800s – 1/4000s. This range helps with shooting wide open in bright light and quiet operation.

Pentax’s K-1 II has mechanical shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. Lacking electronic shutter might limit silent shooting but ensures reliability and no rolling shutter artifacts.

Video Features: 4K vs. Full HD

Video capabilities are often a deciding factor these days.

The LX100 II supports 4K UHD video at 30p with a 100 Mbps bit rate encoded in MP4 (H.264/AAC), along with 4K Photo mode that lets you extract 8MP stills from video bursts for action photography.

In comparison, the Pentax K-1 II is limited to Full HD 1080p video up to 60i fps. While it offers microphone and headphone ports for audio monitoring, absence of 4K video might disappoint hybrid shooters.

For video-centric users or vloggers needing 4K capability and compact size, LX100 II clearly has the edge.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The LX100 II uses a DMW-BLE9 lithium-ion battery providing about 340 shots per charge, adequate for casual outings but modest compared to DSLRs.

The K-1 II’s D-LI90 battery supports approximately 670 shots, roughly double Panasonic’s stamina, more suitable for extended professional sessions.

Memory-wise, the LX100 II has one UHS-I SD card slot. The K-1 II features dual SD slots (UHS-I compatible), a boon for redundancy and backup on critical jobs.

Connectivity favors Panasonic with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing quick image transfer and remote control. The K-1 II lacks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, relying mostly on wired or tethered options. Both have HDMI outputs and USB ports, but only the Pentax includes GPS for geotagging - useful for travel photographers.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s talk use cases because specs only tell half the story.

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Pentax K 1 II front Pentax K 1 II screen back

Portrait Photography

The LX100 II’s fast lens and accurate face detection make it excellent for natural portraits with creamy background blur, especially in outdoor or window-lit indoor settings. Its smaller sensor brings more depth of field, so to nail selective focus you need to get closer or use the longest zoom end.

The K-1 II’s full-frame sensor produces exceptional subject isolation and skin tone rendition, aided by the high megapixel count and Pentax’s unique AA filter-less sensor for ultra-sharp rendering. Lens choice opens options for soft or crisp bokeh as you prefer.

Landscape Photography

Pentax’s weather sealing and full-frame sensor take the cake here, especially paired with sharp wide-angle lenses. The 36MP files handle large prints and heavy cropping with aplomb. Its 5-axis IBIS helps handheld shooting in low light or variable conditions.

LX100 II offers convenience and decent dynamic range but is limited by resolution and fixed lens reach. Good for casual landscapes but not ground-breaking.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and burst rates are crucial.
LX100 II’s contrast AF and maximum 11 fps shooting struggle with unpredictable fast action, especially at longer focal lengths and in low light.

K-1 II, while limited to 4.4 fps, delivers more consistent AF tracking and, combined with telephoto lenses, offers better reach and accuracy. Its rugged build suits outdoor use.

Street and Travel Photography

LX100 II shines for its discreet size, fast zoom, and silent electronic shutter. Fits easily in pockets, ideal for candid street shots and travel.

Pentax is bulkier but offers better battery life and lens flexibility. Weather sealing is a plus in adverse conditions but less concealable.

Macro Photography

Pentax’s larger sensor, articulated screen, and extensive lens options including specialized macro optics make it better for close-up work. The sensor-shift IBIS helps with precision hand-holding.

LX100 II can do macro down to 3cm but with less flexibility and reach.

Night and Astro Photography

Pentax K-1 II’s massive high ISO range and pixel-shift technologies give it an edge for star fields and extreme low light. Pentax’s built-in GPS and intervalometer also aid night shooters.

LX100 II’s Four Thirds sensor limits high ISO performance and star shooting is less practical.

Video

LX100 II’s 4K video capability, decent bit rates, and touch focus give it an upper hand for hybrid shooters or casual filmmakers.

K-1 II supports Full HD only; better for stills-first users who want solid audio control.

Environmental Resistance and Reliability

Pentax’s weather-sealed chassis is a critical differentiator for photographers shooting in unpredictable conditions - think rain, dust, or cold. Panasonic lacks any weather sealing, restricting it to fair-weather use or protected environments.

Price-to-Performance: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

The LX100 II retails around $998, positioning it as a premium compact with standout image quality for the size.

The K-1 II is priced at approximately $1737 body only, a solid investment in full-frame DSLR capabilities and durability.

Both deliver considerable value within their classes. LX100 II impresses as an all-purpose compact, while K-1 II is a professional-grade tool demanding serious commitment.

Performance Summary and Scores

To crystallize the differences:

The K-1 II scores higher in image quality, ruggedness, and professional features; the LX100 II excels in portability, video, and convenience.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose the Panasonic LX100 II if:
  You want an all-in-one, pocket-friendly camera for travel, street, portraits, or casual landscapes, with excellent image quality for the category and 4K video. Ideal for enthusiasts who favor mobility and ease.

• Choose the Pentax K-1 II if:
  You demand full-frame image quality, rugged build, and lens system flexibility for professional portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro or long-term projects, and prefer an optical viewfinder DSLR experience, even at the cost of size and weight.

Both cameras are exceptional, serving different photography philosophies rather than competing head-to-head on every front. Your choice hinges on priorities: ultimate image quality and durability versus compact convenience and video.

I hope this firsthand comparison - drawn from extensive test shoots and technical evaluation - helps you align your photographic ambitions with the camera best suited to your vision. Cameras are tools, after all; the best one is the one that inspires you to shoot and create.

Happy shooting!