Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax ist DL2

Below is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic GF5 and Pentax ist DL2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ist DL2 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The GF5 was announced 6 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the GF5 scores versus the ist DL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Pentax ist DL2. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic GF5 features exterior dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax ist DL2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF5 and Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the GF5 versus the ist DL2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF5 and ist DL2 is 89 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through technical specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the GF5 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF5 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic GF5 will show extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher GF5 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.