Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax ist DS2

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS40 was launched 8 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise overview of how the ZS40 scores versus the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 provides outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS40 and the ist DS2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS40 and ist DS2 is 90 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and ist DS2.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS40 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS40 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern ZS40 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.