Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-S1

Lets look closer at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is very comparable but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was announced 7 months earlier than the K-S1 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SZ8 matches up versus the K-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 features 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-S1 has measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ8 vs the K-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and K-S1 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through specifications. The photograph here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and K-S1.

To sum up, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ8 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-S1 will show more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images much more aggressively. The older SZ8 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.