Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax K-S1

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic ZS200 and Pentax K-S1, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS200 (20MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is very similar but the ZS200 (1") and K-S1 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The ZS200 was introduced 3 years later than the K-S1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the ZS200 grades versus the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 & Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS200 provides outside measurements of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") with a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS200 and Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS200 versus the K-S1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS200 and K-S1 is 86 and 69 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualize the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading specifications. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS200 and K-S1.

To sum up, each of these cameras feature the identical megapixels but different sensor measurements. The ZS200 has got the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The fresher ZS200 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.