Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K-5 IIs, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the GF2 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the GF2 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF2 was unveiled 3 years prior to the K-5 IIs and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the GF2 grades vs the K-5 IIs in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF2 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF2 comes with outer dimensions of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF2 versus the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF2 and K-5 IIs is 88 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF2 and K-5 IIs.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF2 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-5 IIs will show greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The older GF2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.