Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-S2

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS3 was revealed 6 years earlier than the K-S2 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick view of how the ZS3 scores versus the K-S2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS3 features external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-S2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS3 versus the K-S2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and K-S2 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes just by seeing specifications. The image below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and K-S2.

To sum up, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will provide greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.