Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-1

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) feature different sensor dimensions.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The ZS8 was introduced 5 years prior to the K-1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the ZS8 matches up against the K-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Pentax K-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS8 enjoys external dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has proportions of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS8 and the K-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS8 and K-1 is 92 and 55 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by going over technical specs. The visual below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS8 and K-1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS8 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-1 will deliver extra detail using its extra 22MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older ZS8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.