Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-7

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is fairly similar but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 22 months later than the K-7 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the ZS8 matches up vs the K-7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Pentax K-7. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Pentax K-7 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS8 comes with outside measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax K-7 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS8 against the K-7.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and K-7 is 92 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and K-7.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-7 will offer extra detail having an extra 1MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The fresher ZS8 will have an edge in sensor technology.