Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax K-5 IIs, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS35 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS35 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS35 was launched 8 months later than the K-5 IIs and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ZS35 matches up versus the K-5 IIs with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS35 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS35 provides external dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax K-5 IIs in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the ZS35 versus the K-5 IIs.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS35 and K-5 IIs is 89 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by checking a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS35 and K-5 IIs.

Clearly, the two cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The ZS35 offers the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The younger ZS35 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.