Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-5 II

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-5 II, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS15 was revealed 11 months earlier than the K-5 II and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the ZS15 scores vs the K-5 II for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Pentax K-5 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS15 enjoys exterior dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-5 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS15 against the K-5 II.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS15 and K-5 II is 92 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The picture here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS15 and K-5 II.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS15 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-5 II will provide extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS15 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.