Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-S1

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS8 was unveiled 4 years prior to the K-S1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the ZS8 grades vs the K-S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS8 provides 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-S1 has sizing of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS8 and the K-S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS8 and K-S1 is 92 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS8 and K-S1.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-S1 will render more detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The older ZS8 will be behind in sensor tech.