Panasonic ZS60 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a complete analysis of the Panasonic ZS60 vs Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS60 (18MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively similar but the ZS60 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS60 was unveiled 2 years later than the K-500 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS60 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the ZS60 grades vs the K-500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS60 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS60 comes with outer measurements of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS60 vs Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS60 and the K-500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS60 and K-500 is 88 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS60 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS60 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS60 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer ZS60 should have an edge in sensor technology.