Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax ist DL2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The SZ1 was revealed 6 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SZ1 grades against the ist DL2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 & Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ1 enjoys physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax ist DL2 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 employing at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ1 versus the ist DL2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and ist DL2 is 95 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions simply by researching technical specs. The picture here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and ist DL2.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ1 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic SZ1 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The newer SZ1 should have an edge in sensor innovation.