Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax ist DL2

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax ist DL2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and ist DL2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS1 was launched 3 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ZS1 scores against the ist DL2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Pentax ist DL2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS1 offers physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the ZS1 against the ist DL2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and ist DL2 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing specs. The picture underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS1 and ist DL2.

All in all, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS1 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Panasonic ZS1 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern ZS1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.