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Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1

Portability
93
Imaging
40
Features
43
Overall
41
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25 front
 
Pentax K-1 front
Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
82
Overall
78

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Key Specs

Panasonic ZS25
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-480mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 193g - 105 x 59 x 28mm
  • Launched January 2013
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-TZ35
  • Earlier Model is Panasonic ZS20
  • Newer Model is Panasonic ZS30
Pentax K-1
(Full Review)
  • 36MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 204800
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
  • Released February 2016
  • Newer Model is Pentax K-1 II
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Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Overview

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the ZS25 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the ZS25 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor size.

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The ZS25 was unveiled 4 years prior to the K-1 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS25 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the ZS25 scores vs the K-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS25 over the Pentax K-1

 ZS25 K-1 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Panasonic ZS25

 K-1 ZS25 
ReleasedFebruary 2016January 2013More modern by 37 months
Manual focus Very precise focus
Screen typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating screen
Screen sizing3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")
Screen resolution1037k460kCrisper screen (+577k dot)

Common features in the Panasonic ZS25 and Pentax K-1

 ZS25 K-1 
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch screen Missing Touch screen

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS25 comes with exterior measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has dimensions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS25 compared to the K-1.

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 size comparison

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS25 and K-1 is 93 and 55 respectively.

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Sensor Comparison

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by going over technical specs. The image below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS25 and K-1.

As you can tell, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS25 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-1 will offer extra detail having an extra 20MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS25 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 sensor size comparison

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Panasonic ZS25
Portrait photography with Pentax K-1
32
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
cannot use external flash
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
85
manual focus
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
has face detection autofocus
saves RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Panasonic ZS25 Street photography info
Pentax K-1 Street photography info
66
image stabilization (Optical)
comes with focus by touch
lighter than others in class (193 grams)
fixed screen
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
70
screen can move to multiple angles
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
saves RAW formats
environment proof
above average ISO range (204,800)
more heavy than average (1,010 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic ZS25 as a Sports photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Sports photography camera
45
long zoom range (24-480mm 20.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
features tracking autofocus
low max shutter speed (1/1,200s)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
terrible battery pack (260 CIPA)
lack of phase detect auto focus
76
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
has tracking autofocus
environment proof
sensor has phase detect autofocus
slow continuous shooting (4.4 frames/s)
low battery (760 shots)
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic ZS25 Travel photography advice
Pentax K-1 Travel photography advice
69
lighter than others in class (193g)
comes with focus by touch
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
built-in flash
pretty wide (24mm)
great reach (480mm)
no Timelapse function
terrible battery pack (260 per charge)
screen is not selfie friendly
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
53
environment proof
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
low battery (760 shots)
more heavy than average (1,010g)
display is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic ZS25 Landscape photography info
Pentax K-1 Landscape photography info
43
pretty wide (24mm)
nice screen size (3")
image stabilization (Optical)
decent sensor resolution (16 megapixels)
lack of manual focus
can't switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW format
terrible battery pack (260 shots)
no Timelapse function
81
manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a good size (3.2 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
amazing MP (36 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
doesnt have anti-alias filter
above average ISO range (204,800)
saves RAW formats
environment proof
two card slots
low battery (760 CIPA)
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZS25 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-1 as a Vlogging camera
34
pretty wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than others in class (193 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is not selfie friendly
no external microphone socket
31
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
has face detection autofocus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
includes external microphone socket
display is not selfie friendly
more heavy than average (1,010 grams)
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Panasonic ZS25 vs Pentax K-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic ZS25 and Pentax K-1
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25Pentax K-1
General Information
Brand Panasonic Pentax
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25 Pentax K-1
Also referred to as Lumix DMC-TZ35 -
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Advanced DSLR
Launched 2013-01-07 2016-02-17
Physical type Compact Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Full frame
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 35.9 x 24mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 861.6mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 36 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Highest resolution 4896 x 3672 7360 x 4912
Highest native ISO 6400 204800
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW support
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points 23 33
Cross type focus points - 25
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens Pentax KAF2
Lens zoom range 24-480mm (20.0x) -
Maximal aperture f/3.3-6.4 -
Macro focusing range 3cm -
Amount of lenses - 151
Focal length multiplier 5.9 1
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Display diagonal 3" 3.2"
Resolution of display 460 thousand dots 1,037 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 15 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/1200 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 10.0fps 4.4fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 6.40 m no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize - 1/200 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (220 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4, AVCHD MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Built-in
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 193 gr (0.43 lbs) 1010 gr (2.23 lbs)
Dimensions 105 x 59 x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 96
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 25.4
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 14.6
DXO Low light rating not tested 3280
Other
Battery life 260 images 760 images
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Time lapse recording
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Card slots One Dual
Cost at launch $300 $1,499