Panasonic TS5 vs Pentax K-S1

Here is a thorough review of the Panasonic TS5 and Pentax K-S1, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the TS5 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is very well matched but the TS5 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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

The TS5 was launched 13 months prior to the K-S1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic TS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the TS5 matches up vs the K-S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 and Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic TS5 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic TS5 provides exterior measurements of 110mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic TS5 and Pentax K-S1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the TS5 and the K-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TS5 and K-S1 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the TS5 and K-S1.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TS5 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will give more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older TS5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.