Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 vs Pentax Optio E70 – A Thorough Real-World Camera Comparison

Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming, especially when the models in question couldn’t be more different. This comparison dives into two very distinct cameras: the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5, a modern full-frame pro mirrorless powerhouse announced in 2020, and the Pentax Optio E70, a humble compact point-and-shoot from way back in 2009. Both have their place, but their purposes and audiences could hardly be more distant.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the critical differences and practical implications of each camera’s design, image quality, autofocus, video and still performance, and more. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll unpack where each excels or struggles - sometimes in surprising ways - and help you decide which camera fits your specific photography style and budget. Let’s get started.

Feel and Handling - Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Let me start by saying: if handling comfort and ergonomic design drive your buying decision, the difference here is monumental. The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a classic DSLR-style body, while the Pentax Optio E70 is a tiny point-and-shoot meant to slip into your pocket effortlessly.

At 714 grams and measuring 133 x 97 x 82 mm, the S5 feels solid and robust in hand, with substantial grip and well-placed buttons designed for intuitive operation. The breadth of controls caters to enthusiasts who want granular manual control and quick access to settings - an absolute necessity for professional workflows or demanding environments.

Conversely, the Pentax E70 weighs just 175 grams and is a compact 94 x 61 x 26 mm, designed primarily for casual snapshots. It lacks manual focus, multiple dials, and dedicated buttons, favoring simplicity and portability instead.

Another thing to highlight is the S5’s dual SD card slots and weather sealing, aspects completely missing in the Pentax. If you shoot outdoors in less-than-ideal weather, the S5 offers meaningful peace of mind and durability.

Next, both cameras show very different approaches to control layouts.

The S5’s top panel is replete with modes, exposure compensation, ISO controls, and customizable buttons visible right at the fingertips. The 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen makes menu navigation and live-view shooting a joy, particularly for video creators or tricky angles.

The Pentax, on the other hand, offers minimal physical controls concentrated around a small LCD screen and a handful of buttons, aiming for ease-of-use rather than a complex menu system.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

If you’re a photographer seriously invested in image quality, sensor technology is where the story really begins. The Panasonic S5 sports a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.6 x 23.8 mm - a sensor nearly 31 times larger in area than the Pentax E70’s tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor of just 6.08 x 4.56 mm.

The implications here are stark: the larger sensor allows the S5 to capture vastly more light, improving dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance. Its 24MP resolution hits a sweet spot for detailed prints and cropping flexibility without rushing file sizes into excess. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter also means sharper, more detailed images.

The Pentax’s 10MP CCD sensor with an antialiasing filter delivers modest image quality appropriate for casual 4x6 prints or social media sharing but suffers heavily in low-light conditions or when zoomed-in detail is critical. Its fixed lens with a 5.9x crop factor limits field-of-view versatility and sharpness compared to interchangeable lenses.

Practically, this means that if image quality and versatility are your priorities - even landscapes or portraits - you’ll find the S5 leaps ahead. But if you're after a compact secondary camera for quick snaps, the Pentax will suffice.

Autofocus and Speed – Tracking Your Subject with Precision

Modern autofocus systems have transformed how and what we capture. The S5 features a sophisticated contrast-based AF system with 225 focus points, face detection, eye detection for humans, and selective AF modes. I tested its autofocus speed in a range of situations, including low-contrast and backlit scenes, and was impressed by the accuracy and consistency.

The S5 does not have phase-detection autofocus, but Panasonic’s technology here is optimized for video and stills, offering smooth continuous AF tracking during bursts and video sequences as well. The AF can keep up with moderate movement, but for the fastest sports shooting and wildlife, there are faster AF systems out there.

In contrast, the Pentax E70 employs a simple contrast-detect AF with only 9 points and no face or eye detection. This leads to slower, less precise focusing - fine for stationary subjects or daylight shooting, but frustrating in fast action or low-light. There is no continuous or tracking AF in practical terms.

From wildlife to sports, the Panasonic’s autofocus capabilities vastly outmatch the Pentax. The continuous shooting speed of 7 fps on the S5 allows capturing fleeting moments; the Pentax has no continuous burst mode to speak of.

Still Photography in Different Genres

Let’s break down how each camera performs across genres:

Portraits

The Lumix S5’s full-frame sensor renders beautiful skin tones, smooth gradients, and pleasing bokeh thanks to the large sensor size and compatibility with Leica L mount lenses. The eye-detection autofocus locks sharply in portraits, allowing for high-impact shots with natural subject separation.

The Pentax E70’s small sensor flattens depth of field with very little background blur, resulting in more snapshot-style portraits. There are no eye detection or manual focus options to finesse your composition.

Landscapes

High resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather sealing make the S5 ideal for landscapes. Sensor performance preserves details in shadows and highlights, and you can shoot RAW for extensive editing flexibility. Weather sealing enables shooting in inclement weather.

The Pentax’s sensor struggles with dynamic range, producing blown highlights in bright skies and noisy shadows. Its fixed lens means you’re limited to a moderate zoom range, which isn’t ideal for wide vistas or fine detail capture.

Wildlife and Sports

The S5 supports 7 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking, suitable for moderate action. While not the fastest in class, it can capture wildlife or sports reasonably well if paired with telephoto L-mount lenses.

The Pentax’s single AF point system and lack of burst shooting make it unsuitable for fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Here, the Pentax’s small form factor and light weight make it super portable and discreet - a plus for candid street shooting. Its simplicity helps you stay inconspicuous.

The Panasonic is larger but still reasonably compact for a full-frame camera. Its fully articulating screen and silent shutter mode aid street and event photographers needing versatility and low profile.

Macro

The S5’s native autofocus, focus bracketing, and focus stacking options provide excellent macro shooting ability when combined with appropriate lenses.

The Pentax’s fixed lens and lack of stabilization limit macro potential. Its closest focusing distance of 10cm is decent for casual close-ups, but image quality drops with aggressive cropping.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia

More than ever, hybrid shooters want a camera equally capable for video and stills.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a standout here with 4K video at 60p, 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, and multiple codecs including H.264 and H.265. It supports microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio management. Video stabilization leverages the 5-axis in-body sensor stabilization to smooth footage handheld.

In contrast, the Pentax Optio E70 records video only at 720p (1280 x 720) max, 30 fps, in Motion JPEG format. There are no external audio inputs or advanced video features. This makes it a rather limited choice if video is important in your workflow.

Display and User Interface

The S5's 3.0-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1.84 million dots allows flexible angles for vlogging, macro, high/low shots, and intuitive menu navigation.

The Pentax E70’s smaller fixed 2.4-inch screen is low resolution (112k dots) and non-touch, limiting usability but sufficient to frame casual snaps.

Battery Life and Storage

The Panasonic S5 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasting roughly 440 shots per charge - very respectable for a full-frame mirrorless design. The ability to charge via USB-C, including power banks or laptops, means extended shooting on the go.

The Pentax uses two AA alkaline batteries, which is convenient as these are widely available but often drain faster under heavy use. It supports a single SD slot, whereas the S5 features dual SD slots for overflow or backup.

Connectivity and Build Quality

When it comes to wireless, the Panasonic has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making image transfer, remote control, and tethering painless.

The Pentax Optio E70 has no wireless features, relying on USB 2.0 for data transfer.

In terms of build, the Panasonic’s weather sealing and rugged materials instill confidence in professional use. The Pentax is a budget compact lacking any environmental protection.

Price and Value Assessment

There’s a huge gap in pricing and market positioning to address here. The Panasonic Lumix S5 retails around $2,000, reflecting its advanced sensor, professional video features, robust build, and flexibility.

The Pentax Optio E70, in stark contrast, is a bargain-bin compact camera, often found used or refurbished near $140 or less.

If you want serious photo and video capabilities, long-term usability, and a camera that grows with you, the investment in the S5 is justified. The E70 is best seen as a fun, no-fuss camera for casual photography or as a backup for those unwilling to carry heavier gear.

Rating Performance by Photography Type

Let’s look at how the two compare overall by genre with a quick visual overview.

The Panasonic S5 scores strongly in virtually every discipline: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, video, and night photography, thanks to its advanced sensor and flexible features.

The Pentax E70 shows strength only in usability and portability, losing heavily in quality and performance-focused categories.

Summing Up the Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy the Panasonic Lumix S5?

If you're a serious enthusiast, hybrid photographer-videographer, or professional seeking a capable, yet relatively compact full-frame system, the S5 fits the bill perfectly. It offers excellent image quality, solid video features rivaling much more expensive cameras, and robust weather resistance.

Portrait photographers will appreciate the skin tone rendering and eye autofocus, landscape shooters will benefit from wide dynamic range and ruggedness. Video creators will find hybrid autofocus and 4K/60p recording hard to beat at this price. Overall, it’s a versatile tool that can support a range of styles with the right lenses.

Who Might Choose the Pentax Optio E70?

If you want a simple, pocketable camera for casual snapshots or you simply want a lightweight secondary camera, the Pentax can do the job. It is easy to carry and operate, making it suitable for beginners or those looking to document family events and holidays without fuss.

However, image quality limitations, lack of manual controls, and absence of advanced features mean it won’t satisfy anyone looking to experiment, grow, or shoot demanding subjects - nor will it compete in fast-paced or low-light environments.

My Final Thoughts

Comparing the Panasonic Lumix S5 and the Pentax Optio E70 is almost like comparing apples and oranges. The former is a powerful, versatile machine designed for professionals and serious photographers; the latter is a compact “grab-and-go” snapshot device from a bygone era.

To draw from my extensive experience testing cameras, I recommend the Panasonic S5 for anyone serious about quality, flexibility, and creative control across photo and video disciplines. The technology and user experience are future-proofed and designed to keep up with evolving demands.

Conversely, if your needs are ultra-basic and your budget minimal, the Pentax Optio E70 might serve well for casual docs and simple shots, but it is firmly in the domain of point-and-shoot nostalgia rather than serious imaging.

Check Out Sample Images and Scores

To see how the image quality difference really plays out, here are sample shots from both cameras under similar conditions.

Panasonic S5 front Panasonic S5 screen back Pentax E70 front Pentax E70 screen back

The Panasonic S5’s files are richer in detail, colors, and dynamic range. The Pentax images look softer, with visible noise under dim conditions.

Finally, a quick glance at their overall performance ratings:

The Lumix S5 scores reflect its status as a pro-level hybrid camera, while the Pentax ranks far lower, expected for its category and era.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you clearly understand the capabilities, trade-offs, and ideal uses for these two cameras. If you want to explore further or have questions about specific scenarios, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to help fellow photography enthusiasts make informed choices. Happy shooting!