Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-1

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SZ1 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the K-1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ1 scores vs the K-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Pentax K-1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ1 offers outer dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ1 against the K-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and K-1 is 95 and 55 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specifications. The graphic underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and K-1.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ1 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-1 will provide more detail due to its extra 20 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older SZ1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.