Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax K-5

On this page, we will be matching up the Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax K-5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LS5 (14MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is pretty similar but the LS5 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The LS5 was unveiled 8 months after the K-5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the LS5 matches up versus the K-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 and Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LS5 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LS5 has got external dimensions of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax K-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the LS5 compared to the K-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the LS5 and K-5 is 94 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over technical specs. The picture underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the LS5 and K-5.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The LS5 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-5 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher LS5 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.