Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-1

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS15 versus Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) posses different sensor measurements.

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The ZS15 was launched 4 years prior to the K-1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the ZS15 grades against the K-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Pentax K-1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS15 has external measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has proportions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS15 versus Pentax K-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS15 against the K-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and K-1 is 92 and 55 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out specs. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS15 and K-1.

All in all, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS15 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-1 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 24MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The older ZS15 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.