Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-5 II

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic S1 and Pentax K-5 II, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the S1 (24MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the S1 (Full frame) and K-5 II (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S1 was launched 5 years later than the K-5 II and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the S1 grades versus the K-5 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and Pentax K-5 II. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic S1 has got external dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") having a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S1 and Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the S1 and the K-5 II.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and K-5 II is 54 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S1 and K-5 II.

Plainly, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S1 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger S1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.