Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax K-5 II

Below, we are contrasting the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax K-5 II, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is very comparable but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and K-5 II (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GH2 was introduced 3 years earlier than the K-5 II and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the GH2 scores vs the K-5 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 & Pentax K-5 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH2 Gallery & Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH2 comes with external measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") along with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax K-5 II in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the GH2 vs the K-5 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GH2 and K-5 II is 70 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GH2 and K-5 II.

As you can see, both the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The GH2 provides the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder. The older GH2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.