Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax ist DS2

Lets look a little more closely at the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax ist DS2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The ZS20 was released 6 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS20 matches up against the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS20 offers outer measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS20 compared to the ist DS2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and ist DS2 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS20 and ist DS2.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS20 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more modern ZS20 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.