Panasonic S2 vs Pentax K-r

On this page, we are comparing the Panasonic S2 and Pentax K-r, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the S2 (14MP) and the K-r (12MP) is fairly close but the S2 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The S2 was manufactured 11 months later than the K-r which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the S2 grades against the K-r with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 and Pentax K-r. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic S2 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S2 offers external measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-r has dimensions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S2 and Pentax K-r in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the S2 versus the K-r.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S2 and K-r is 96 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The visual here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the S2 and K-r.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The S2 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic S2 will result in greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent S2 will have a benefit in sensor technology.