Panasonic LX100 vs Pentax K-5

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic LX100 vs Pentax K-5, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LX100 (13MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is relatively close but the LX100 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The LX100 was launched 3 years later than the K-5 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the LX100 matches up versus the K-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX100 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic LX100 comes with outside dimensions of 115mm x 66mm x 55mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 393 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has specifications 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 LX100 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the LX100 and the K-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LX100 and K-5 is 83 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX100 and K-5.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LX100 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-5 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent LX100 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.