Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K-S1

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K-S1, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and K-S1 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was unveiled 6 years before the K-S1 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FS42 scores against the K-S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 has physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K-S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the FS42 against the K-S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and K-S1 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes just by looking through a spec sheet. The pic below might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FS42 and K-S1.

Clearly, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FS42 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-S1 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged FS42 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.