Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K-1

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax K-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was introduced 6 years prior to the K-1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS5 matches up against the K-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Pentax K-1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 comes with external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax K-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the ZS5 vs the K-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS5 and K-1 is 92 and 55 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through technical specs. The graphic here will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and K-1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS5 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-1 will render greater detail using its extra 24 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older ZS5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.