Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K10D

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax K10D, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS5 (12MP) and the K10D (10MP) is very close but the ZS5 (1/2.3") and K10D (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The ZS5 was revealed 3 years after the K10D which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ZS5 grades versus the K10D in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 & Pentax K10D. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery & Pentax K10D Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Pentax K10D has dimensions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") and a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS5 versus Pentax K10D in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS5 and the K10D.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and K10D is 92 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions just by looking through technical specs. The picture below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS5 and K10D.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS5 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic ZS5 will render more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more modern ZS5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.