Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax K-500

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax K-500, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the ZS200 (1") and K-500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS200 was launched 4 years after the K-500 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZS200 matches up against the K-500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS200 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax K-500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the ZS200 compared to the K-500.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS200 and K-500 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions merely by looking at a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS200 and K-500.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS200 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS200 will give extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS200 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.