Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here is a detailed comparison of the Panasonic ZS8 and Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS8 was unveiled 5 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the ZS8 grades versus the ist DL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS8 comes with physical dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS8 and Pentax ist DL2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the ZS8 and the ist DL2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and ist DL2 is 92 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS8 and ist DL2.

Plainly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS8 will offer more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer ZS8 provides a benefit in sensor tech.