Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-500

Lets look a little more in depth at the Panasonic SZ1 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very close but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ1 was brought out 22 months earlier than the K-500 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ1 scores vs the K-500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ1 offers outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic SZ1 versus Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ1 versus the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ1 and K-500.

As you can see, both the cameras offer the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The SZ1 provides the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF more challenging. The older SZ1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.