Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-5 II

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-5 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The ZS40 was revealed 8 months later than the K-5 II so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS40 grades versus the K-5 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax K-5 II. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS40 features outside dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-5 II in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS40 against the K-5 II.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and K-5 II is 90 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The visual here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and K-5 II.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS40 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS40 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots more aggressively. The fresher ZS40 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.