Panasonic S5 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Panasonic S5 and Pentax K-500, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and K-500 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The S5 was unveiled 6 years later than the K-500 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the S5 grades versus the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic S5 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 features outer measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S5 and Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the S5 compared to the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S5 and K-500 is 60 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S5 and K-500.

All in all, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S5 having a larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic S5 will show more detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher S5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.