Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ1 was brought out 13 months later than the K-5 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ1 scores versus the K-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ1 has external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ1 against the K-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and K-5 is 95 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ1 and K-5.

As you can see, each of the cameras come with the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The SZ1 offers the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF tougher. The more modern SZ1 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.