Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-1 II

The following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-1 II, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and K-1 II (36MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K-1 II (Full frame) offer different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ZS8 was introduced 7 years earlier than the K-1 II which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZS8 grades versus the K-1 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS8 enjoys physical dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 II has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-1 II in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS8 and the K-1 II.

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

Sometimes, its tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through technical specs. The image below should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS8 and K-1 II.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-1 II will resolve greater detail using its extra 22MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.