Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax E85

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS7 and Pentax E85, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS7 (12MP) and the E85 (12MP) is pretty similar and both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS7 was unveiled 23 months after the E85 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the ZS7 grades against the E85 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & Pentax Optio E85. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS7 features outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Pentax E85 has dimensions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS7 and Pentax E85 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the ZS7 against the E85.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS7 and E85 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading specs. The image below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and E85.

All in all, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the identical resolution so you can expect similar quality of images although you have to factor the age of the products into consideration. The fresher ZS7 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.