Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax KP

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax KP, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and KP (24MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and KP (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS5 was launched 7 years earlier than the KP which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax KP being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the ZS5 scores versus the KP in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Pentax KP. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Pentax KP Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys outside dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax KP has sizing of 132mm x 101mm x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax KP in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS5 and the KP.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and KP is 92 and 61 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing specs. The pic below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS5 and KP.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax KP will provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.