Panasonic 3D1 vs Pentax K-S2

On this page, we are evaluating the Panasonic 3D1 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The 3D1 was launched 4 years before the K-S2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the 3D1 grades versus the K-S2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 provides exterior dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has specifications of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic 3D1 and Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the 3D1 and the K-S2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and K-S2 is 93 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The picture underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the 3D1 and K-S2.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 3D1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will show more detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged 3D1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.