Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-S2

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is pretty close but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ3 was introduced 3 years prior to the K-S2 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SZ3 scores against the K-S2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ3 features exterior dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ3 against the K-S2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and K-S2 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to see the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The picture underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and K-S2.

All in all, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ3 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will result in more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SZ3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.