Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the SZ8 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was released 8 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SZ8 scores versus the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ8 comes with outside dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ8 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and ist DS2 is 94 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out specifications. The visual below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ8 and ist DS2.

To sum up, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SZ8 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher SZ8 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.