Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS15 versus Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The ZS15 was introduced 11 months before the K-5 IIs which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ZS15 scores vs the K-5 IIs in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS15 offers physical dimensions 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-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS15 versus Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS15 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS15 and K-5 IIs is 92 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing specs. The graphic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS15 and K-5 IIs.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS15 with its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older ZS15 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.