Panasonic L1 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic L1 vs Pentax ist DS2, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the L1 (7MP) and the ist DS2 (6MP) is relatively similar but the L1 (Four Thirds) and ist DS2 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was manufactured 20 months later than the ist DS2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the L1 scores against the ist DS2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 has got outer dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic L1 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the L1 versus the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L1 and ist DS2 is 65 and 68 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L1 and ist DS2.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The L1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic L1 will offer greater detail due to its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer L1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.