Panasonic FH27 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FH27 vs Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FH27 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FH27 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH27 was announced 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH27 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FH27 grades against the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27 and Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH27 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH27 enjoys physical dimensions of 99mm x 57mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH27 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the FH27 and the ist DS2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FH27 and ist DS2 is 94 and 68 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by viewing technical specs. The visual below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH27 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH27 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic FH27 will render more detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The younger FH27 provides an advantage in sensor tech.