Panasonic ZS10 vs Pentax K-500

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS10 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS10 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS10 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS10 was revealed 3 years prior to the K-500 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the ZS10 matches up vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS10 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS10 comes with external measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS10 versus Pentax K-500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS10 compared to the K-500.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS10 and K-500 is 91 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS10 and K-500.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS10 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-500 will give more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older ZS10 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.