Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax ist DL2

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS40 was launched 8 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZS40 grades vs the ist DL2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax ist DL2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS40 features external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Pentax ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax ist DL2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS40 versus the ist DL2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and ist DL2 is 90 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements only by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS40 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Panasonic ZS40 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.