Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax K-5 II

Following is a complete overview of the Panasonic LX3 versus Pentax K-5 II, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and K-5 II (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

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The LX3 was manufactured 5 years before the K-5 II which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the LX3 grades against the K-5 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax K-5 II. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX3 provides outside dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic LX3 versus Pentax K-5 II in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the LX3 and the K-5 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and K-5 II is 91 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The image underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX3 and K-5 II.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The LX3 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-5 II will offer extra detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged LX3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.