Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-r

Below, we are looking at the Panasonic SZ1 versus Pentax K-r, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SZ1 was announced 11 months after the K-r and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ1 grades against the K-r with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ1 has got physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-r has sizing of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ1 versus Pentax K-r in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ1 vs the K-r.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and K-r is 95 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by going over specs. The picture underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and K-r.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic SZ1 will offer you extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The younger SZ1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.