Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-500

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

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The SZ8 was unveiled 2 months after the K-500 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the SZ8 scores against the K-500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ8 provides outer measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SZ8 versus the K-500.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and K-500 is 94 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specifications. The pic underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and K-500.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The SZ8 features the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging.