Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-S2

The following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS40 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was released 13 months prior to the K-S2 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS40 scores vs the K-S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera often, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 provides exterior 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-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS40 and Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS40 and the K-S2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and K-S2 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and K-S2.

Clearly, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS40 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged ZS40 will be behind in sensor innovation.