Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5 II

The following is a complete assessment of the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K-5 II, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is very well matched but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was announced 17 months prior to the K-5 II making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SZ1 grades against the K-5 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax K-5 II. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 enjoys physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ1 versus the K-5 II.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and K-5 II is 95 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions simply by checking a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ1 and K-5 II.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got the exact same megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The SZ1 uses the tinier sensor which should make obtaining bokeh harder. The more aged SZ1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.