Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax ist DL2

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax ist DL2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ3 was manufactured 7 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the SZ3 scores versus the ist DL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 features outside dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the SZ3 and the ist DL2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and ist DL2 is 96 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and ist DL2.

As you have seen, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ3 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic SZ3 will provide you with more detail due to its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent SZ3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.