Panasonic ZS10 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic ZS10 versus Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS10 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS10 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS10 was manufactured 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the ZS10 matches up versus the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS10 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS10 provides exterior measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS10 versus Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS10 versus the ist DS2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS10 and ist DS2 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The photograph here might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS10 and ist DS2.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS10 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS10 will give you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The fresher ZS10 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.