Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-S2

Below is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-S2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ5 was launched 3 years earlier than the K-S2 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the SZ5 matches up against the K-S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ5 offers exterior dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax K-S2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ5 against the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SZ5 and K-S2 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by going through technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ5 and K-S2.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The older SZ5 will be behind in sensor innovation.