Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K200D

Following is a extended comparison of the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K200D, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS1 (10MP) and the K200D (10MP) is pretty similar but the ZS1 (1/2.5") and K200D (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS1 was brought out 9 months after the K200D and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K200D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ZS1 matches up against the K200D for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Pentax K200D. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Pentax K200D Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 provides physical dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K200D has measurements of 134mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.3" x 3.7" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 690 grams (1.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K200D in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS1 and the K200D.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and K200D is 91 and 61 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS1 and K200D.

As you can see, both cameras feature the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The ZS1 uses the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field harder. The newer ZS1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.