Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic SZ5 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ5 was announced 16 months before the K-500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ5 matches up against the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Pentax K-500. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ5 offers outer measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ5 versus Pentax K-500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ5 and the K-500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The visual underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ5 and K-500.

As you have seen, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-500 will resolve more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ5 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.