Pentax K-5 vs Zeiss ZX1

The following is a extended review of the Pentax K-5 and Zeiss ZX1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Zeiss. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the K-5 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the K-5 (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The K-5 was announced 8 years earlier than the ZX1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the K-5 scores against the ZX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-5 has external measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Pentax K-5 and Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the K-5 compared to the ZX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the K-5 and ZX1 is 60 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by checking out specs. The image underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-5 and ZX1.

All in all, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The K-5 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will show more detail with its extra 21 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged K-5 will be behind in sensor technology.