Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax K-500

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic GH2 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty close but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and K-500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GH2 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the K-500 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the GH2 matches up against the K-500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH2 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH2 comes with physical measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GH2 versus Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the GH2 against the K-500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GH2 and K-500 is 70 and 64 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the GH2 and K-500.

Clearly, each of the cameras have the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The GH2 contains the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The older GH2 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.