Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-5

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ8 was revealed 3 years after the K-5 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SZ8 grades vs the K-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ8 has physical measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ8 versus the K-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and K-5 is 94 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at specs. The picture underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and K-5.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizes. The SZ8 has the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF tougher. The more recent SZ8 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.