Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-S1

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ1 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the K-S1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SZ1 scores vs the K-S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Pentax K-S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ1 has exterior dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has specifications of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K-S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ1 against the K-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ1 and K-S1 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and K-S1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older SZ1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.