Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K-5 II

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic ZS45 and Pentax K-5 II, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS45 (16MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is pretty comparable but the ZS45 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS45 was unveiled 20 months after the K-5 II which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ZS45 grades against the K-5 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax K-5 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS45 features outside dimensions 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 II has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

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

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the ZS45 compared to the K-5 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS45 and K-5 II is 91 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions just by going through specifications. The image below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS45 and K-5 II.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The ZS45 comes with the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF harder. The fresher ZS45 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.