Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax K-500

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic LZ20 and Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the LZ20 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the LZ20 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The LZ20 was revealed 16 months earlier than the K-500 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the LZ20 matches up against the K-500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic LZ20 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ20 features outer measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LZ20 and Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the LZ20 vs the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the LZ20 and K-500 is 71 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the LZ20 and K-500.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The LZ20 comes with the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult. The older LZ20 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.