Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K-5

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K-5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ10 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ10 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ10 was revealed 4 years after the K-5 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ10 scores vs the K-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 and Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ10 has exterior dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ10 and the K-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ10 and K-5 is 93 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes simply by going through technical specs. The picture underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ10 and K-5.

As you can tell, both the cameras have got the exact same megapixels but different sensor sizes. The SZ10 contains the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher. The newer SZ10 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.