Panasonic L1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic L1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, both Advanced DSLR cameras by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was announced 7 years prior to the K-5 IIs and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the L1 scores against the K-5 IIs in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic L1 comes with outside measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic L1 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the L1 vs the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L1 and K-5 IIs is 65 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specifications. The photograph below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the L1 and K-5 IIs.

To sum up, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The L1 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide you with greater detail with its extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older L1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.