Pentax K-5 IIs vs Zeiss ZX1

Lets look closer at the Pentax K-5 IIs vs Zeiss ZX1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Zeiss. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the K-5 IIs (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the K-5 IIs (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) have different sensor sizing.

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The K-5 IIs was launched 6 years prior to the ZX1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the K-5 IIs grades vs the ZX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-5 IIs and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-5 IIs offers physical measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K-5 IIs vs Zeiss ZX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the K-5 IIs vs the ZX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-5 IIs and ZX1 is 60 and 67 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the K-5 IIs and ZX1.

As you can see, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K-5 IIs due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will render more detail utilizing its extra 21MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The older K-5 IIs will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.