Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax ist DS2

Following is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax ist DS2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and ist DS2 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The LX5 was revealed 6 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the LX5 scores versus the ist DS2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic LX5 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic LX5 provides outside dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the LX5 and the ist DS2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the LX5 and ist DS2 is 88 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes merely by seeing technical specs. The image below may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX5 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The LX5 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic LX5 will produce more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more recent LX5 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.