Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-5 II

The following is a extended overview of the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax K-5 II, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GM1 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is relatively well matched but the GM1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 II (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GM1 was introduced 7 months after the K-5 II so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a short summary of how the GM1 matches up vs the K-5 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 and Pentax K-5 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM1 features physical dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 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).

Contrast the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax K-5 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the GM1 and the K-5 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the GM1 and K-5 II is 93 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at specs. The image below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM1 and K-5 II.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The GM1 has the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging. The more recent GM1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.