Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax WS80

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax WS80, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the GM5 (16MP) and WS80 (10MP) and the GM5 (Four Thirds) and WS80 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The GM5 was announced 5 years after the WS80 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the GM5 matches up against the WS80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Pentax Optio WS80. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM5 comes with exterior dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Pentax WS80 has dimensions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GM5 vs Pentax WS80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the GM5 versus the WS80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GM5 and WS80 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by checking out technical specs. The image below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM5 and WS80.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GM5 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic GM5 will produce more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher GM5 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.