Panasonic LS5 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic LS5 and Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the LS5 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the LS5 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The LS5 was unveiled 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the LS5 grades vs the ist DS2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS5 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LS5 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LS5 enjoys external dimensions of 97mm x 62mm x 27mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LS5 and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the LS5 vs the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LS5 and ist DS2 is 94 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the LS5 and ist DS2.

As you can see, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LS5 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic LS5 will provide you with more detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The younger LS5 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.