Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-S1

On this page, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS20 was launched 3 years before the K-S1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the ZS20 grades versus the K-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS20 features external dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-S1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS20 versus the K-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and K-S1 is 92 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through specifications. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS20 and K-S1.

To sum up, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS20 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-S1 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images more aggressively. The older ZS20 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.