Panasonic F5 vs Pentax K-500

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic F5 and Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the F5 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

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The F5 was launched 10 months prior to the K-500 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the F5 scores vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic F5 enjoys external dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic F5 and Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the F5 compared to the K-500.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the F5 and K-500 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Generally, its tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The visual below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the F5 and K-500.

All in all, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The F5 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-500 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older F5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.