Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K-5

Below is a complete review of the Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K-5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS45 (16MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very well matched but the ZS45 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The ZS45 was brought out 4 years later than the K-5 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS45 matches up vs the K-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS45 provides outside measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS45 and the K-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS45 and K-5 is 91 and 60 respectively.

Typically, its hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS45 and K-5.

As you can tell, both cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The ZS45 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder. The more recent ZS45 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.