Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax RS1500

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic ZS200 versus Pentax RS1500, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and RS1500 (14MP) and the ZS200 (1") and RS1500 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The ZS200 was announced 7 years later than the RS1500 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera 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 RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a brief summary of how the ZS200 matches up versus the RS1500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 & Pentax Optio RS1500. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery & Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS200 has got external measurements of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") along with a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) whilst the Pentax RS1500 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS200 versus Pentax RS1500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS200 compared to the RS1500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS200 and RS1500 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Often, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS200 and RS1500.

Clearly, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS200 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS200 will result in more detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS200 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.