Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-r

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-r, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and K-r (12MP) and the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The SZ8 was released 2 years later than the K-r and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SZ8 matches up vs the K-r with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 features outer 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-r has proportions of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

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

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ8 vs the K-r.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and K-r is 94 and 67 respectively.

Often, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ8 and K-r.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ8 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide you with more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The newer SZ8 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.