Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below, we will be matching up the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax ist DS2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ1 was revealed 6 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the SZ1 grades vs the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ1 comes with external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ1 against the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and ist DS2 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specs. The pic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic SZ1 will deliver more detail because of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The fresher SZ1 provides an edge in sensor technology.