Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K-S2

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax K-S2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was brought out 5 years prior to the K-S2 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the ZS5 grades versus the K-S2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS5 offers physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the ZS5 and the K-S2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and K-S2 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS5 and K-S2.

Clearly, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-S2 will provide you with extra detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older ZS5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.