Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below, we will be looking at the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The SZ5 was announced 10 months before the K-5 IIs and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief view of how the SZ5 matches up versus the K-5 IIs in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ5 enjoys exterior measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ5 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ5 and K-5 IIs is 95 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing technical specs. The graphic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ5 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ5 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-5 IIs will render extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ5 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.