Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS80 (20MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the ZS80 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS80 was launched 3 years after the K-S2 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the ZS80 matches up against the K-S2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 & Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS80 features exterior dimensions of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") having a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS80 and the K-S2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS80 and K-S2 is 86 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes merely by going through technical specs. The image underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS80 and K-S2.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The ZS80 includes the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher. The more recent ZS80 provides an edge in sensor tech.