Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-S1

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic SZ3 versus Pentax K-S1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is pretty close but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The SZ3 was launched 19 months earlier than the K-S1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SZ3 scores vs the K-S1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ3 offers external measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has sizing of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ3 versus Pentax K-S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ3 against the K-S1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ3 and K-S1 is 96 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through specs. The visual underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ3 and K-S1.

All in all, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-S1 will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.