Panasonic TS4 vs Pentax K-500

Following is a extended comparison of the Panasonic TS4 and Pentax K-500, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the TS4 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the TS4 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The TS4 was released 22 months earlier than the K-500 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic TS4 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the TS4 grades vs the K-500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS4 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic TS4 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic TS4 offers exterior measurements of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic TS4 and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the TS4 and the K-500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the TS4 and K-500 is 92 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at specs. The pic below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the TS4 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The TS4 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-500 will give greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged TS4 is going to be behind in sensor technology.