Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K-1

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the SZ10 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SZ10 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ10 was unveiled 13 months prior to the K-1 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SZ10 scores versus the K-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 and Pentax K-1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ10 offers outer dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") having a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ10 vs the K-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ10 and K-1 is 93 and 55 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The pic underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ10 and K-1.

All in all, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ10 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-1 will provide more detail having an extra 20MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SZ10 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.