Panasonic ZS80 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS80 versus Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS80 (20MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS80 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS80 was unveiled 12 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS80 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZS80 scores versus the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS80 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS80 has outer measurements 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 ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS80 versus Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS80 against the ist DS2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS80 and ist DS2 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS80 and ist DS2.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS80 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS80 will give more detail having an extra 14MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The newer ZS80 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.