Panasonic G6 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a in depth review of the Panasonic G6 and Pentax ist DS2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the G6 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the G6 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G6 was revealed 7 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G6 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the G6 grades vs the ist DS2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic G6 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G6 features outside dimensions of 122mm x 85mm x 71mm (4.8" x 3.3" x 2.8") having a weight of 390 grams (0.86 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic G6 and Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the G6 vs the ist DS2.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the G6 and ist DS2 is 74 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by checking technical specs. The image underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the G6 and ist DS2.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The G6 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic G6 will give you more detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more modern G6 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.