Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K100D

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FS12 versus Pentax K100D, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and K100D (6MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The FS12 was unveiled 2 years later than the K100D and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FS12 scores against the K100D in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Pentax K100D. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FS12 features external dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax K100D has specifications of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS12 versus Pentax K100D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FS12 and the K100D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and K100D is 95 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and K100D.

As you can see, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FS12 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FS12 will offer you greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more modern FS12 should have an advantage in sensor tech.