Panasonic G5 vs Pentax ist DS2

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Panasonic G5 and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the G5 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the G5 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The G5 was unveiled 7 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the G5 grades versus the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G5 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G5 offers exterior measurements of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") and a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic G5 and Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the G5 and the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the G5 and ist DS2 is 74 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The visual here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the G5 and ist DS2.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The G5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic G5 will resolve greater detail having an extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The fresher G5 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.