Panasonic ZS70 vs Pentax ist DS2

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS70 vs Pentax ist DS2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the ZS70 (20MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS70 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS70 was brought out 11 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS70 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a concise summary of how the ZS70 grades against the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS70 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS70 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS70 enjoys outer measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 41mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.6") along with a weight of 322 grams (0.71 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS70 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS70 vs the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS70 and ist DS2 is 87 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading through specifications. The picture here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS70 and ist DS2.

Plainly, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS70 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS70 will resolve more detail having its extra 14MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The newer ZS70 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.