Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax K-1

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax K-1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and K-1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The LX5 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the K-1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the LX5 scores against the K-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Pentax K-1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX5 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-1 has proportions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax K-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the LX5 versus the K-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX5 and K-1 is 88 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specifications. The picture below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX5 and K-1.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The LX5 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-1 will give you more detail due to its extra 26 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged LX5 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.