Panasonic TS1 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Panasonic TS1 and Pentax K-5, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the TS1 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the TS1 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The TS1 was revealed 23 months before the K-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic TS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a short view of how the TS1 grades versus the K-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 and Pentax K-5. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic TS1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic TS1 provides physical measurements of 98mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") with a weight of 189 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic TS1 and Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the TS1 vs the K-5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the TS1 and K-5 is 93 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at technical specs. The visual here may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the TS1 and K-5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TS1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-5 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older TS1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.