Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic FS12 versus Pentax ist DS2, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was introduced 3 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FS12 scores versus the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 enjoys outside dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS12 versus Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the FS12 compared to the ist DS2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS12 and ist DS2 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and ist DS2.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS12 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FS12 will give you extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The fresher FS12 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.