Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax X-5

Here is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X-5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and X-5 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS3 was brought out 4 years earlier than the X-5 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS3 scores vs the X-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Pentax X-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Pentax X-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS3 has got outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax X-5 has proportions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax X-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS3 vs the X-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and X-5 is 91 and 65 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and X-5.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different MP. You can expect the Pentax X-5 to show extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be behind in sensor technology.