Panasonic LZ40 vs Pentax K-S2

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the LZ40 (20MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is relatively similar but the LZ40 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The LZ40 was released 13 months before the K-S2 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the LZ40 matches up versus the K-S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 & Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LZ40 offers physical dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax K-S2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the LZ40 against the K-S2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LZ40 and K-S2 is 67 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The picture below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the LZ40 and K-S2.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor dimensions. The LZ40 includes the tinier sensor which will make achieving bokeh more challenging. The more aged LZ40 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.