Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax VS20

Let's look a little more closely at the Panasonic GM5 versus Pentax VS20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is fairly similar but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GM5 was launched 2 years later than the VS20 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the GM5 matches up vs the VS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Pentax Optio VS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GM5 features physical measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has proportions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Panasonic GM5 versus Pentax VS20 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the GM5 against the VS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GM5 and VS20 is 91 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by reviewing technical specs. The visual here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the GM5 and VS20.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizing. The GM5 provides the larger sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF easier. The fresher GM5 should have a benefit in sensor tech.