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Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2

Portability
86
Imaging
47
Features
70
Overall
56
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 front
 
Pentax K-S2 front
Portability
64
Imaging
64
Features
82
Overall
71

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Key Specs

Panasonic ZS80
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200 (Boost to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 327g - 112 x 69 x 42mm
  • Launched February 2018
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DC-TZ95
  • Replaced the Panasonic ZS70
Pentax K-S2
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 678g - 123 x 91 x 73mm
  • Released February 2015
  • Old Model is Pentax K-S1
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Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Overview

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.

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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.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS80 over the Pentax K-S2

 ZS80 K-S2 
ReleasedFebruary 2018February 2015More modern by 37 months
Screen resolution1040k921kCrisper screen (+119k dot)
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Reasons to pick Pentax K-S2 over the Panasonic ZS80

 K-S2 ZS80 
Screen typeFully ArticulatedTiltingFully Articulating screen

Common features in the Panasonic ZS80 and Pentax K-S2

 ZS80 K-S2 
Focus manually Very exact focusing
Screen sizing3"3"Equivalent screen size
Selfie screen Both are selfie friendly

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Physical Comparison

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. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

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.

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 size comparison

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

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Sensor Comparison

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.

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 sensor size comparison

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
Photography Glossary

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic ZS80 Portrait photography advice
Pentax K-S2 Portrait photography advice
54
focusing manually
megapixel count decent (20 megapixels)
supports face detection focus
supports RAW files
external flash not possible
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
78
you can focus manually
decent sensor resolution (20MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
features face detection autofocus
supports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Panasonic ZS80 Street photography advice
Pentax K-S2 Street photography advice
75
screen tilts
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports RAW files
has focus via touch
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
72
fully articulated screen
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW formats
weather proof
above average high ISO (51,200)
more heavy than competition (678g)
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic ZS80 Sports photography features
Pentax K-S2 Sports photography features
61
amazing zoom range (24-720mm 30.0 x zoom)
silent shutter (1/16,000s)
has image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
supports tracking autofocus
good battery pack (380 per charge)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect auto focus
70
max shutter speed is good (1/6,000s)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (20MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
features tracking autofocus
weather proof
has phase detect autofocus
continuous shooting slow (5.4 frames/s)
not so great battery pack (410 CIPA)
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Panasonic ZS80
Travel photography with Pentax K-S2
79
good battery pack (380 per charge)
connects via bluetooth
has focus via touch
megapixel count decent (20MP)
flash built-in
selfie friendly screen
pretty wide (24mm)
great zoom (720mm)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
65
weather proof
decent sensor resolution (20MP)
flash built-in
screen is selfie friendly
not so great battery pack (410 shots)
more heavy than competition (678 grams)
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic ZS80 as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-S2 as a Landscape photography camera
62
focusing manually
pretty wide (24mm)
screen is a decent size (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
supports RAW files
good battery pack (380 CIPA)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
77
you can focus manually
change lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
nice screen size (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (20MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
doesnt have anti-alias filter
above average high ISO (51,200)
supports RAW formats
weather proof
not so great battery pack (410 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZS80 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-S2 as a Vlogging camera
73
pretty wide (24mm)
selfie friendly screen
touchscreen
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focus
video resolution high (3840 x 2160 pixels)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
no external mic jack
71
screen is selfie friendly
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
features face detection autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
has external microphone socket
more heavy than competition (678g)
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Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax K-S2 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic ZS80 and Pentax K-S2
 Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80Pentax K-S2
General Information
Brand Name Panasonic Pentax
Model type Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 Pentax K-S2
Otherwise known as Lumix DC-TZ95 -
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Entry-Level DSLR
Launched 2018-02-18 2015-02-10
Physical type Compact Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Chip Venus Engine PRIME MII
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 20 megapixel 20 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Max resolution 5184 x 3888 5472 x 3648
Max native ISO 3200 51200
Max enhanced ISO 6400 -
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points - 11
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens Pentax KAF2
Lens zoom range 24-720mm (30.0x) -
Max aperture f/3.3-6.4 -
Macro focusing distance 3cm -
Amount of lenses - 151
Crop factor 5.8 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Tilting Fully Articulated
Screen sizing 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of screen 1,040 thousand dots 921 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder resolution 2,330 thousand dots -
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.53x 0.64x
Features
Min shutter speed 4 secs 30 secs
Max shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/6000 secs
Max silent shutter speed 1/16000 secs -
Continuous shutter rate 10.0 frames/s 5.4 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 5.60 m (with Auto ISO) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash options Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on, flash on + redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual flash
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) 1920 x 1080 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
Max video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 327 grams (0.72 lbs) 678 grams (1.49 lbs)
Dimensions 112 x 69 x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") 123 x 91 x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 380 pictures 410 pictures
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI109
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 12 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots 1 1
Cost at release $448 $581