Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-S1

In this article, we will be comparing the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-S1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ5 was introduced 3 years prior to the K-S1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ5 scores versus the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ5 has got physical measurements 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-S1 has sizing of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SZ5 and the K-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and K-S1 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The image underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ5 and K-S1.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ5 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will provide more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SZ5 will be behind in sensor innovation.