Panasonic ZS35 vs Pentax K-500

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS35 versus Pentax K-500, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS35 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very well matched but the ZS35 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The ZS35 was revealed 2 months after the K-500 so they are of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS35 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS35 scores versus the K-500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS35 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS35 has physical dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 32mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 305 grams (0.67 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS35 versus Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS35 compared to the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS35 and K-500 is 89 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The image underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS35 and K-500.

As you can see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizes. The ZS35 features the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF harder.