Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS7 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS7 was revealed 22 months earlier than the K-5 IIs which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZS7 matches up versus the K-5 IIs in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS7 comes with external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS7 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS7 compared to the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS7 and K-5 IIs is 91 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing just by checking out specs. The visual below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and K-5 IIs.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS7 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older ZS7 will be behind in sensor tech.