Panasonic LX7 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a complete analysis of the Panasonic LX7 versus Pentax ist DS2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the LX7 (10MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the LX7 (1/1.7") and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The LX7 was manufactured 7 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the LX7 grades vs the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 & Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LX7 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX7 has outside dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LX7 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the LX7 versus the ist DS2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LX7 and ist DS2 is 86 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through technical specs. The pic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the LX7 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The LX7 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic LX7 will show extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern LX7 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.