Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5
94 Imaging
40 Features
31 Overall
36


65 Imaging
39 Features
50 Overall
43
Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Push to 6400)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 24-288mm (F3.1-6.3) lens
- 159g - 100 x 60 x 27mm
- Introduced January 2014
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 22-580mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 595g - 119 x 86 x 107mm
- Released August 2012

Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Overview
Here, we will be contrasting the Panasonic SZ8 versus Pentax X-5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ8 (16MP) and the X-5 (16MP) is relatively similar and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The SZ8 was manufactured 17 months after the X-5 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.
Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SZ8 grades vs the X-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 and Pentax X-5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery and Pentax X-5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ8 over the Pentax X-5
SZ8 | X-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2014 | ![]() | August 2012 | Newer by 17 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax X-5 over the Panasonic SZ8
X-5 | SZ8 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial exact focusing | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax X-5
SZ8 | X-5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurement |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Equal screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch screen |
Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Physical Comparison
If you are going to travel with your camera, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ8 features outer dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax X-5 has dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).
Contrast the Panasonic SZ8 versus Pentax X-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ8 compared to the X-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and X-5 is 94 and 65 respectively.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading specifications. The image below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ8 and X-5.
To sum up, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the identical megapixels so you should expect similar quality of pictures however you should really consider the production date of the products into consideration. The more recent SZ8 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.

Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax X-5 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Pentax X-5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Panasonic | Pentax |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 | Pentax X-5 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Introduced | 2014-01-06 | 2012-08-22 |
Physical type | Compact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Venus Engine | - |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 6400 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-288mm (12.0x) | 22-580mm (26.4x) |
Max aperture | f/3.1-6.3 | f/3.1-5.9 |
Macro focus range | - | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 460 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 230 thousand dots |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 8 seconds | 4 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1500 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per second | 10.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 5.20 m | 9.10 m |
Flash options | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | - |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 159 gr (0.35 lb) | 595 gr (1.31 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 100 x 60 x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 119 x 86 x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 200 shots | 330 shots |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $275 | $230 |