Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax K-5

Here is a complete overview of the Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax K-5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

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The ZR1 was announced 16 months earlier than the K-5 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the ZR1 matches up against the K-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Pentax K-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR1 offers external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax K-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the ZR1 compared to the K-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ZR1 and K-5 is 94 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR1 and K-5.

As you can tell, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZR1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-5 will render extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The older ZR1 will be behind in sensor tech.