Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax WS80

Following is a complete comparison of the Panasonic LX5 and Pentax WS80, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the LX5 (10MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the LX5 (1/1.63") and WS80 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The LX5 was unveiled 2 years after the WS80 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple overview of how the LX5 matches up against the WS80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Pentax Optio WS80. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX5 offers outside measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax WS80 has dimensions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic LX5 and Pentax WS80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the LX5 vs the WS80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX5 and WS80 is 88 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The pic below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the LX5 and WS80.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor sizes. The LX5 offers the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field easier. The more recent LX5 should have a benefit in sensor tech.