Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax ist DS2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the FH8 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FH8 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was released 6 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the FH8 matches up versus the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH8 features external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH8 and the ist DS2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH8 and ist DS2 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The picture underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FH8 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH8 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Panasonic FH8 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger FH8 should have an edge in sensor tech.