Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ZS20 was unveiled 13 months earlier than the K-5 IIs which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS20 matches up vs the K-5 IIs in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS20 enjoys outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax K-5 IIs in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS20 and the K-5 IIs.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and K-5 IIs is 92 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to envision the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through specifications. The image underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS20 and K-5 IIs.

To sum up, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.