Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax ist DS2

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic ZS8 and Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZS8 matches up versus the ist DS2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS8 has exterior measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS8 and Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS8 compared to the ist DS2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and ist DS2 is 92 and 68 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through a spec sheet. The visual below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and ist DS2.

As you can see, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS8 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Panasonic ZS8 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger ZS8 should have a benefit in sensor technology.