Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-7

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-7, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was launched 2 years later than the K-7 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SZ1 grades vs the K-7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax K-7. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax K-7 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 features external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Pentax K-7 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ1 compared to the K-7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and K-7 is 95 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing specifications. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and K-7.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent SZ1 provides an edge in sensor innovation.