Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax K-500

Following is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LS5 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the LS5 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The LS5 was brought out 3 years before the K-500 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the LS5 matches up vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic LS5 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LS5 offers 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) while the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax K-500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the LS5 compared to the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LS5 and K-500 is 94 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The image below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LS5 and K-500.

As you can tell, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The LS5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-500 will give extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged LS5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.