Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-01

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-01, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The SZ8 was manufactured 20 months later than the K-01 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SZ8 matches up vs the K-01 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax K-01. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 has outside dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax K-01 has measurements of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-01 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ8 versus the K-01.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and K-01 is 94 and 76 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and K-01.

As you can see, both of those cameras come with the identical MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The SZ8 comes with the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF more difficult. The more modern SZ8 will have an edge in sensor technology.