Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-1 II

Below is a extensive review of the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-1 II, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and K-1 II (36MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-1 II (Full frame) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The SZ5 was brought out 6 years prior to the K-1 II and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ5 grades versus the K-1 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Pentax K-1 Mark II. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Pentax K-1 II Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ5 provides exterior measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 II has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-1 II in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ5 against the K-1 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and K-1 II is 95 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements just by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ5 and K-1 II.

Clearly, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ5 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-1 II will provide extra detail having its extra 22MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older SZ5 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.