Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The ZS20 was introduced 3 years prior to the K-S2 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 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 quick synopsis of how the ZS20 grades against the K-S2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS20 provides outer measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has proportions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS20 against the K-S2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and K-S2 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking specifications. The picture underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS20 and K-S2.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-S2 will give extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.