Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is fairly close but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was launched 17 months earlier than the K-5 IIs making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SZ1 grades against the K-5 IIs with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ1 has got exterior dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-5 IIs in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ1 versus the K-5 IIs.

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

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through technical specs. The image here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with the identical MP but not the same sensor sizes. The SZ1 features the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF tougher. The more aged SZ1 will be behind in sensor innovation.