Panasonic G2 vs Pentax K-5

Below is a complete overview of the Panasonic G2 and Pentax K-5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the G2 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the G2 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

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The G2 was brought out 5 months prior to the K-5 so they are both of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the G2 grades against the K-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic G2 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic G2 enjoys exterior measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.9") with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic G2 and Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the G2 versus the K-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the G2 and K-5 is 72 and 60 respectively.

Generally, its hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the G2 and K-5.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The G2 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-5 will render extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively.