Panasonic ZS7 vs Pentax ist DL2

Below is a in depth overview of the Panasonic ZS7 versus Pentax ist DL2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the ZS7 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZS7 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS7 was launched 5 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZS7 grades against the ist DL2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 & Pentax ist DL2. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS7 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS7 features external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS7 versus Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the ZS7 versus the ist DL2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS7 and ist DL2 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing specs. The photograph here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS7 and ist DL2.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS7 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS7 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The fresher ZS7 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.