Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax Efina

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax Efina, both Ultracompact cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and Efina (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and Efina (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was brought out 5 years prior to the Efina which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the FS42 matches up versus the Efina in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax Efina. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax Efina Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 provides outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax Efina has dimensions of 87mm x 54mm x 21mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8") along with a weight of 91 grams (0.20 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax Efina in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the FS42 compared to the Efina.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and Efina is 95 and 97 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and Efina.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax Efina will provide you with greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be behind in sensor technology.