Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-S2

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic FH1 vs 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 huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was released 6 years before the K-S2 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH1 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 simple synopsis of how the FH1 scores versus the K-S2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH1 enjoys external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the FH1 versus the K-S2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and K-S2 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through a spec sheet. The image here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and K-S2.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FH1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Pentax K-S2 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged FH1 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.