Panasonic S5 vs Pentax P70

Here is a extended analysis of the Panasonic S5 and Pentax P70, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and P70 (12MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and P70 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S5 was announced 11 years later than the P70 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summary of how the S5 grades against the P70 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Pentax Optio P70. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S5 features external 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 P70 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S5 and Pentax P70 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the S5 against the P70.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S5 and P70 is 60 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the S5 and P70.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S5 with its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic S5 will give you more detail with its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The newer S5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.