Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax ist DL2

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic ZR1 versus Pentax ist DL2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) come with different sensor measurements.

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The ZR1 was revealed 3 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the ZR1 matches up versus the ist DL2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR1 provides exterior measurements 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 ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR1 versus Pentax ist DL2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the ZR1 compared to the ist DL2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and ist DL2 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR1 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZR1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Panasonic ZR1 will give you more detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The more modern ZR1 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.