Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-S1

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZR3 was announced 5 years before the K-S1 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the ZR3 grades vs the K-S1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 comes with exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S1 has measurements of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-S1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the ZR3 and the K-S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and K-S1 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Often, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at specs. The visual here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and K-S1.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-S1 will resolve extra detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.