Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax K-500

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ10 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ10 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SZ10 was introduced 14 months later than the K-500 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SZ10 matches up against the K-500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 and Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ10 enjoys outside dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax K-500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ10 compared to the K-500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ10 and K-500 is 93 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking specs. The photograph underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ10 and K-500.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The SZ10 has got the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF tougher. The more modern SZ10 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.