Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K200D

The following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K200D, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FS12 (12MP) and the K200D (10MP) is fairly comparable but the FS12 (1/2.3") and K200D (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was announced 8 months after the K200D and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K200D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FS12 grades against the K200D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Pentax K200D. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Pentax K200D Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS12 offers outside measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax K200D has measurements of 134mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.3" x 3.7" x 2.9") with a weight of 690 grams (1.52 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K200D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FS12 vs the K200D.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS12 and K200D is 95 and 61 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to envision the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through a spec sheet. The pic below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FS12 and K200D.

As you can see, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FS12 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Panasonic FS12 will produce extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The newer FS12 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.