Panasonic GX850 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic GX850 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GX850 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is pretty well matched but the GX850 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The GX850 was introduced 3 years after the K-5 IIs which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the GX850 scores vs the K-5 IIs with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GX850 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic GX850 provides outer dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GX850 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the GX850 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the GX850 and K-5 IIs is 90 and 60 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by looking at specifications. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX850 and K-5 IIs.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The GX850 features the tinier sensor which should make getting shallower DOF trickier. The fresher GX850 provides an edge in sensor innovation.