Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-500

Lets look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS8 and Pentax K-500, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively similar but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 3 years before the K-500 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS8 matches up against the K-500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS8 features outside measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS8 and Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the ZS8 vs the K-500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and K-500 is 92 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The pic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and K-500.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS8 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-500 will offer you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.