Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-5

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic ZS15 and Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS15 was released 19 months later than the K-5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZS15 matches up against the K-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS15 has physical measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS15 and Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS15 and the K-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and K-5 is 92 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by going through technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS15 and K-5.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS15 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-5 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS15 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.