Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax K100D S

Below is a extended assessment of the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax K100D S, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and K100D S (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The LX5 was introduced 4 years later than the K100D S and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the LX5 scores vs the K100D S with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 & Pentax K100D Super. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic LX5 Gallery & Pentax K100D S Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX5 has outer measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax K100D S has proportions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax K100D S in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the LX5 and the K100D S.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the LX5 and K100D S is 88 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LX5 and K100D S.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The LX5 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic LX5 will render greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher LX5 will have an edge in sensor technology.