Panasonic ZS60 vs Pentax K-S1

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic ZS60 and Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS60 (18MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is pretty close but the ZS60 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS60 was unveiled 17 months later than the K-S1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS60 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS60 matches up against the K-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 & Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS60 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS60 offers outside dimensions of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS60 and Pentax K-S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS60 against the K-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZS60 and K-S1 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS60 and K-S1.

All in all, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS60 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-S1 will result in extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more modern ZS60 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.