Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K-r

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax K-r, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is relatively well matched but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The ZS5 was brought out 8 months earlier than the K-r so they are of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the ZS5 grades vs the K-r when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Pentax K-r. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 has exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has sizing of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax K-r in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS5 vs the K-r.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and K-r is 92 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions just by checking a spec sheet. The picture here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and K-r.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature the identical MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The ZS5 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field tougher. The more aged ZS5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.