Panasonic GH5 vs. Pentax K110D: A Real-World Showdown Between a Pro Mirrorless and a Vintage DSLR

Choosing a camera can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially when the options span different generations and technologies. Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to pit two very different beasts against each other: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5, a 2017 pro-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless powerhouse, and the Pentax K110D, a modest APS-C DSLR from 2006 that’s seen better days but still has an intriguing legacy.

On paper, these cameras couldn't be more different. One represents a modern, video-capable, sensor-shift-stabilized marvel packed with bells and whistles, while the other is a straightforward, entry-level DSLR that helped introduce many to interchangeable lens photography. But specs only tell you so much. Let me walk you through what separates these cameras in actual use across diverse photography needs and help you decide which is the better fit for your gear bag (or if either is).

Design and Handling: Old-School DSLR vs. Modern Mirrorless

Let’s start with something tactile: the physical feel. The Pentax K110D is a compact SLR-style DSLR, weighing a modest 585g, with dimensions compact enough for easy handling. However, compared to the Panasonic GH5’s 725g and chunkier, more robust SLR-style mirrorless design, it feels lighter but also more plasticky - the K110D was built for beginners and shows it in grip texture and button clubs for thumbs.

The GH5, by contrast, sports an all-weather magnesium alloy body and extensive weather sealing, including dust and splash resistance, which makes it far superior for rugged use outdoors. If you plan to shoot landscapes or wildlife in challenging conditions, the GH5’s construction gives it a rock-solid advantage.

Ergonomically, the GH5 sports a fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreen, excellent for shooting at odd angles or video vlogging, whereas the K110D’s fixed 2.5-inch screen is basic with low-resolution and no touch functionality. This difference alone can influence user experience heavily.

Both cameras offer manual focus, but the GH5’s touchscreen and focus assist tools make manual focusing a breeze, a true joy compared to the K110D’s optical viewfinder reliance.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: APS-C vs. Four Thirds

A critical factor to note here is sensor size and technology. The Pentax uses an APS-C CCD sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7mm with 6 megapixels, quite modest even by 2006 standards. Meanwhile, the GH5 wields a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13mm). Though smaller in surface area (224.9mm² vs. 368.95mm²), Panasonic's sensor benefits from more modern technology, including no anti-aliasing filter, allowing for sharper images without the moiré effect.

In practice, the GH5 produces images with substantially better dynamic range (13 stops vs. unmeasured but visibly limited on the K110D), higher ISO usability up to 25600, and richer color depth (DxO color depth score of 23.9). The K110D maxes out at ISO 3200 (native) and suffers from more noise at higher sensitivities. Its CCD sensor also tends to have less effective noise reduction algorithms compared to modern CMOS.

The GH5's 20MP resolution allows prints and crops with more detail than the K110D’s 6MP images, which can feel grainy and limited in resolution for large-format or detailed work today.

If maximizing image quality is your goal, particularly in challenging light or for large prints, the GH5’s sensor and image processing simply can't be beaten by the K110D.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Modern autofocus systems have leapt well beyond what early DSLRs offered, so let’s see how our two contenders fare here.

The GH5 boasts 225 focus points, using contrast-detection autofocus with advanced algorithms that enable face detection, tracking, selective focus, and even touch-to-focus on the rear screen. Continuous AF and subject tracking works smoothly, making it a solid choice for moving subjects - from children to sports action.

The K110D relies on an 11-point phase-detection AF system with no live view or face detection. It can do single or continuous AF, but speed and accuracy are fairly pedestrian by today’s standards. Tracking is virtually absent; the camera locks focus but doesn’t intelligently follow subjects across the frame.

For sports, wildlife, street photography, or any fast-moving subject, the GH5’s autofocus system isn’t just better; it’s in another league. The K110D is fine for stationary subjects or landscapes but slows down considerably in dynamic scenarios.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds

Speed can matter; not just autofocus but burst rate and shutter specs.

The GH5 offers blazing 12 frames per second continuous shooting, plus a silent electronic shutter option up to 1/16000s and mechanical shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. This lets you freeze fast action or shoot discreetly in quiet environments.

The K110D clocks only 3 frames per second with a mechanical shutter speed capped at 1/4000s, no electronic shutter support. For fast-paced shooting, it’s clear the GH5 can keep up while the K110D might miss critical moments.

Video Capabilities: GH5’s Unmatched Video Flexibility

One of the biggest differentiators here is video. The GH5 is renowned for professional 4K video recording capabilities (up to 60p), 6K photo mode for extracting high-res stills from video, and clean HDMI output. It supports in-body 5-axis image stabilization during video, plus microphone and headphone jacks for quality audio monitoring.

The Pentax K110D offers no video functionality whatsoever.

If video is even remotely on your radar, the GH5 is a no-brainer.

Viewfinder and Screen: Electronic vs. Optical

The K110D employs an optical pentamirror viewfinder, showing 96% frame coverage with 0.57x magnification - classic DSLR starting point. It’s bright and has zero lag, but no exposure preview or focus peaking.

The GH5 uses a high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3680k dots, 0.76x magnification, and full 100% coverage. The EVF shows live exposure preview, focus peaking, and helps nail manual focus in a way the K110D’s optical finder cannot.

The GH5’s fully articulated touchscreen LCD (1620k dots) leaps ahead in flexibility and ease of use compared to the K110D’s fixed, low-res, non-touch 2.5-inch screen.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Lens choice always influences a camera’s real potential.

The Pentax K110D supports the KAF mount with compatibility for an extensive legacy lineup of over 150 lenses, many manual focus primes and affordable options. This is a plus for budget shooters on the Pentax system, but keep in mind many lenses lack autofocus motors, and autofocus performance is limited by the camera body.

The GH5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, with over 100 native lenses available from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. This ecosystem includes sharp zooms, fast primes, and specialist lenses, many with optical image stabilization that complements the GH5’s in-body IS.

The MFT system generally offers lighter, smaller lenses for all-around travel and street use, especially given the 2.1x crop factor helping sports and wildlife reach.

Stabilization and Low Light Performance

In-body 5-axis sensor stabilization is a game changer for handheld shooting in low light and video on the GH5. The K110D, being older and entry-level, offers no stabilization at all, relying entirely on lens-based IS if at all present (rare for Pentax K-mount lenses of this range).

This means the GH5 can hold shutter speeds several stops slower without camera shake - great for travel, macro, and night photography.

Speaking of night, the GH5’s high native ISO range (200-25600) and solid noise performance outperform the K110D’s native ISO 200-3200, which quickly becomes noisy and lacks dynamic range.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Modern workflows demand good connectivity options.

The GH5 offers built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI output, and dual SD card slots compatible with UHS-II for speedy writes and simultaneous backup or overflow.

The K110D has no wireless connectivity, uses a single SD/ MMC card slot, and sticks with the slower USB 2.00.

Dual card slots give the GH5 an edge in professional shooting where image security is essential.

Battery Life and Power Solutions

The K110D runs on four AA batteries, a practical feature for travel in remote areas where recharge might be impossible, and AA batteries are universally available.

The GH5 uses a proprietary Lithium-ion battery pack rated for about 410 shots per charge - average for mirrorless cameras but requiring carrying spares for long days out.

Practical Use Cases Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down these two cameras by photographic disciplines and user needs.

Portrait Photography

The GH5’s superior sensor resolution, 5-axis IS, and face detection AF deliver sharp, well-focused portraits with smooth skin rendering and creamy backgrounds (especially using fast MFT lenses). Eye detection wasn’t implemented in the GH5 but accurate face tracking is still reliable.

The K110D’s 6MP resolution and older AF limit your ability to isolate subjects smoothly. Its optical viewfinder helps with eye-level composition for beginners.

Landscape Photography

High dynamic range, weather sealing, and high resolution tilt the scale to the GH5 here. I’ve tested it outdoors and its ability to capture deep shadows and detailed highlights is impressive on tricky scenes like sunrises.

The K110D’s sensor lacks dynamic range, and no weather sealing means you must protect it against elements.

Wildlife Photography

GH5’s rapid 12fps burst, extensive focus points, and 2.1x crop factor help reach distant subjects. Sensor stabilization further aids handheld telephoto shooting.

K110D falls short: slower burst, fewer AF points, and smaller maximum shutter speed limit shooting fast animals.

Sports Photography

Tracking a player or a puck necessitates fast autofocus and burst rate: GH5 excels here; K110D is barely usable.

Street Photography

K110D’s smaller, simpler design and optical viewfinder offer lower profiles but the GH5’s compact MFT lens options can also suit well. Plus, GH5’s silent electronic shutter allows quiet shooting compared to the noisy mirror slap on the K110D.

Macro Photography

Sensor-shift IS on the GH5 is a plus for macro handholding. Manual focus aids also help. K110D lacks stabilization and focus assistance, forcing tripod use or careful technique.

Night and Astro Photography

Greater ISO range and stabilization favor GH5 for handheld night shots. K110D can be used for long exposures on tripod but is less versatile.

Video

No contest here. GH5 is a go-to bona fide pro video mirrorless with excellent codecs and stabilization; K110D offers no video function.

Travel Photography

GH5’s size, light lenses, stabilization, and weather sealing trump the K110D’s bulk and lack of weather resistance. GH5’s battery life is decent though bring extras.

Professional Work

Dual card slots, rugged body, and pro video options place GH5 well above K110D, which was intended for entry-level photographers and hobbyists.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back Pentax K110D screen back

Real-World Testing: How These Cameras Feel Behind the Viewfinder

In practical hands-on use, the GH5 delivers refined performance, with snappy autofocus, confidence-inspiring image quality, and the flexibility to switch between high-quality stills and professional-grade video. Its menus and touchscreen can be overwhelming at first, but once configured, shooting feels intuitive. One of my favorite features is the silent shutter for candid street shots.

The K110D feels much slower and more manual, where patience is king. If you enjoy a hands-on learning experience, shooting purely in manual or aperture priority modes, it can still teach fundamentals. However, I found its very limited ISO range and fixed, low-res screen frustrating. The slower AF can be a pain even for portraits unless you use manual focus.

Value Assessment: Is the K110D Still Worth It?

If you stumble across a good used deal on a K110D, it might be a budget-friendly way to enter the DSLR world, especially if paired with some vintage lenses. For beginners on a tight budget interested in the tactile feel of a DSLR and learning basics without the temptation of video and advanced menus, it can do the job.

That said, the Panasonic GH5, even used, commands a higher price but returns that investment with far better capabilities, durability, and creative flexibility across most photographic disciplines.

If budget is your main concern and you want a versatile system for modern requirements including video, autofocus, and lens options, you might be better off investing in a current, entry-level mirrorless camera rather than a decade-old DSLR.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Panasonic GH5 if:

• You want a robust, all-around professional mirrorless camera
• Video is important - 4K 60p and pro features are essential
• You prioritize autofocus speed, burst rate, and stabilization
• You’ll be shooting in challenging conditions or need weather sealing
• You want access to a modern lens eco-system
• You demand excellent image quality with flexibility for cropping and printing

Choose the Pentax K110D if:

• You are a cheapskate looking for a very inexpensive entry-level DSLR
• You want a straightforward, no-frills camera for learning photography basics
• You prefer optical viewfinders and don’t care about video or high frame rates
• You don’t mind slower autofocus and limited ISO range
• You already have Pentax K-mount lenses or want to explore vintage glass
• You rely on AA batteries or want an easy power solution for travel

Parting Thoughts

When I test cameras, I always look beyond specs and sample shots. It’s about how a camera fits into your creative workflow, how it handles in the field, and how it supports your photographic ambitions.

The Panasonic GH5 is a still highly relevant workhorse in the mirrorless category, blending great photo and video performance with pro features. The Pentax K110D meanwhile is a relic from a simpler era - charming in its own right but outpaced technologically.

So, ask yourself: Do you want to embrace the future with a versatile, video-capable mirrorless powerhouse? Or are you okay holding onto an affordable, no-nonsense, mostly stills-only DSLR that offers a more manual shooting experience?

Whichever route you pick, I hope this comparison gives you a clear-eyed view to confidently move forward.

Happy shooting!

For source details or questions about testing methods behind this comparison, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to share how thousands of frames and hours behind lenses shape my camera insights.