Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K10D

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K10D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and K10D (10MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K10D (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ1 was manufactured 5 years later than the K10D and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ1 scores versus the K10D in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax K10D. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax K10D Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 offers external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax K10D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K10D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ1 versus the K10D.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ1 and K10D is 95 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and K10D.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ1 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic SZ1 will give more detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more modern SZ1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.