Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax K-5

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS7 was manufactured 8 months after the K-5 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS7 scores vs the K-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS7 has got external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS7 against the K-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS7 and K-5 is 91 and 60 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The pic underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS7 and K-5.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS7 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will provide you with more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The fresher ZS7 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.