Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-S2

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZR3 was released 6 years prior to the K-S2 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ZR3 scores against the K-S2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 enjoys outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax K-S2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the ZR3 versus the K-S2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and K-S2 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions simply by checking specs. The picture underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and K-S2.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZR3 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-S2 will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZR3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.