Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-S2

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is very comparable but the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ8 was released 13 months prior to the K-S2 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ8 matches up against the K-S2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ8 has external dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ8 versus the K-S2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and K-S2 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions just by checking out specifications. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and K-S2.

To sum up, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ8 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SZ8 will be behind in sensor innovation.