Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K-5 II

Below, we will be matching up the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K-5 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ10 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is relatively close but the SZ10 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ10 was released 20 months later than the K-5 II which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SZ10 scores against the K-5 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 and Pentax K-5 II. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ10 has got physical measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K-5 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ10 vs the K-5 II.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ10 and K-5 II is 93 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing merely by viewing specs. The graphic here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ10 and K-5 II.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The SZ10 uses the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF trickier. The more recent SZ10 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.