Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-S2

The following is a complete assessment of the Panasonic ZS15 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS15 was brought out 3 years earlier than the K-S2 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the ZS15 grades against the K-S2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS15 provides outside 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) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS15 and Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the ZS15 and the K-S2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS15 and K-S2 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading a spec sheet. The image underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS15 and K-S2.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS15 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will offer more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS15 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.