Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

The following is a thorough review of the Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax K-5 IIs, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the LZ20 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively similar but the LZ20 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The LZ20 was revealed 10 months earlier than the K-5 IIs so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the LZ20 matches up vs the K-5 IIs with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic LZ20 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ20 comes with outer dimensions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax K-5 IIs in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the LZ20 vs the K-5 IIs.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the LZ20 and K-5 IIs is 71 and 60 respectively.

Often, its tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing specs. The picture below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LZ20 and K-5 IIs.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The LZ20 uses the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF more difficult. The more aged LZ20 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.