Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax K-r

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax K-r, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LX5 (10MP) and the K-r (12MP) is fairly close but the LX5 (1/1.63") and K-r (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The LX5 was announced 10 months later than the K-r so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the LX5 scores against the K-r in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 & Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic LX5 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX5 has outside 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) and the Pentax K-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax K-r in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the LX5 against the K-r.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the LX5 and K-r is 88 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements purely by researching specs. The graphic below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX5 and K-r.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LX5 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-r will result in greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher LX5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.