Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K-7

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax K-7, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is pretty close but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The ZS5 was unveiled 9 months later than the K-7 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZS5 grades vs the K-7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Pentax K-7. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Pentax K-7 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS5 features physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax K-7 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax K-7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS5 vs the K-7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and K-7 is 92 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS5 and K-7.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS5 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-7 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent ZS5 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.