Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-01

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-01, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ5 was brought out 2 months after the K-01 and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SZ5 scores against the K-01 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Pentax K-01. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Pentax K-01 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ5 enjoys external dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has proportions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") along with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-01 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ5 compared to the K-01.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and K-01 is 95 and 76 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by going through specs. The pic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ5 and K-01.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ5 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-01 will provide greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a bit more aggressively.