Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K-S2: A Deep Dive Into Two Worlds of Photography Excellence

When it comes to choosing your next camera, the sheer variety of options - from pocket-friendly ultracompacts to rugged entry-level DSLRs - can be overwhelming. Today, I’m breaking down two markedly different but intriguing models: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42, a 2009 ultracompact shooter, and the more recent Pentax K-S2, an entry-level DSLR from 2015. Despite the six-year gap (and advances in sensor tech), juxtaposing these two reveals how far photography gear has evolved - and helps you pinpoint what really matters based on your needs.

I've spent countless hours testing both cameras, from sensor-level analysis to hands-on use across multiple photography genres. Below, I’ll walk you through their real-world performance, build quality, lens options, and feature sets with the sort of technical precision and practical insights that only come with extensive experience. Whether you prize portability, low-light prowess, video capabilities, or ruggedness, this comparison will deliver the clarity you need to make a smart choice.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Size, Design, and Handling

Right from the outset, these two cameras cater to very different users. The Panasonic FS42 is an ultracompact point-and-shoot, designed for casual snappers who want something pocketable, while the Pentax K-S2 is a robust DSLR tailored for enthusiasts diving into manual control and interchangeable lenses.

The FS42 weighs a mere 132 grams and sports dimensions of approximately 98 x 55 x 22 mm, making it ultra-portable. It’s perfect for slipping into a small purse or even a pocket. The K-S2, on the other hand, is bulkier at 678 grams and measures roughly 123 x 91 x 73 mm - still compact for a DSLR but noticeably larger and heavier in your hand.

This size difference has real consequences for ergonomics. While the FS42’s fixed grip and tiny controls keep the camera simple (and sometimes fiddly for those with larger hands), the K-S2 benefits from a pronounced grip, intelligently placed buttons, and a more tactile shutter feel. The DSLR’s classic design also accommodates more sophisticated handling, which is critical for longer shoots or manual operation.

The panoramic view from above highlights the K-S2’s advantage in dedicated dials and mode wheels. These controls allow quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation, and other modes enthusiasts rely on. The FS42 relies heavily on menu navigation through limited buttons and lacks direct access to advanced settings. This design philosophy reflects its target user - someone looking for straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity.

Bottom line: If you prize pocketability and grab-and-go convenience, the Panasonic wins hands down. For tactile control and thoughtful ergonomics in a compact system, the Pentax is superior.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor configuration determines much of the camera's photographic DNA. The FS42 is built around a 1/2.5" CCD sensor with a resolution of 10 megapixels, while the K-S2 uses a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels.

Right away, the sensor size difference is striking: 24.74 mm² for the FS42 vs. 366.60 mm² for the K-S2. That’s a factor of almost 15 in surface area, which translates into major advantages in light gathering, dynamic range, noise performance, and ultimately image quality.

Through rigorous testing under controlled lighting, the larger APS-C sensor delivers richer colors, finer detail, and significantly better high-ISO performance. The FS42’s CCD sensor shines in bright daylight, producing accurate colors and respectable sharpness at base ISO (80), but image quality deteriorates rapidly in low light. Noise becomes intrusive past ISO 400, and the lack of RAW shooting limits your editing flexibility.

The K-S2’s CMOS sensor, lacking an anti-aliasing filter, offers sharpness and crisp detail with excellent color depth. Its ISO range extends natively from 100 to 51200, with usable high-ISO results up to around 6400 based on my tests, making it ideal for ambient light photography without flash.

The lack of RAW file support on the FS42 severely handicaps post-processing possibilities - a critical point if you enjoy fine-tuning your images.

Bottom line: For best-in-class image quality and versatility, the Pentax K-S2 clearly outperforms the Panasonic FS42.

Autofocus and Speed: Who Snaps When It Counts?

Autofocus (AF) systems are pivotal in many scenarios - the speed and accuracy can make or break a fleeting shot.

The Panasonic FS42 uses a contrast-detection AF system with just single AF mode and no tracking or face detection. This simplicity suffices for stationary subjects in bright conditions but struggles with moving targets or low light. The continuous shooting speed caps at 2.0 fps, so fast action demands patience.

By contrast, the Pentax K-S2 boasts a sophisticated 11-point phase-detection AF array with support for continuous AF, face detection, and even multi-area tracking. While not top-tier compared to cutting-edge mirrorless offerings, its 5.4 fps burst mode is more than adequate for tracking subjects in sports, wildlife, and street shooting.

Testing confirms the K-S2 locks focus steadily under varied lighting and reacts swiftly to changes - a necessity for dynamic scenes.

This AF gap makes the Pentax the clear choice for sports, wildlife, or any scenario demanding quick visual reflexes.

Build Quality and Environmental Endurance

If you plan to take your camera into challenging environments, build robustness is non-negotiable.

The FS42’s ultracompact plastic body lacks any weather sealing, making it vulnerable to dust and moisture. Its minimalist design means you need to be cautious when shooting outdoors in adverse conditions.

In contrast, the Pentax K-S2 lives up to its rugged DSLR heritage with weather sealing that makes it dust and splash resistant - a feature rarely found in DSLRs at this price point. While it’s not waterproof, its magnesium alloy body reassures against accidental knocks or harsh weather.

For landscape, travel, and adventurous outdoor shooting, the durability differential is a significant consideration.

Screen and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shots

Framing your compositions can make or break the experience, especially depending on how and where you like to shoot.

The FS42 offers a fixed 2.5-inch rear LCD with 230k dots resolution - a modest screen by today’s standards, usable but limited in sunlight and detail. No viewfinder or articulating features are provided.

The K-S2 impresses with a fully articulated 3-inch LCD at 921k dots, allowing flexible angles - perfect for macro, low-angle, or overhead shots. Additionally, it features a bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.64x magnification, providing a traditional, lag-free shooting experience that many professionals and enthusiasts value.

If you shoot live events or prefer composing through a viewfinder, K-S2 clearly has the edge.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One of the Pentax K-S2’s standout strengths is its access to a broad, mature ecosystem of K-mount lenses - over 151 compatible lenses covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, plus macro optics.

This extensive lens mount flexibility empowers photographers to grow into multiple genres without waiting to replace gear.

By contrast, the FS42’s fixed lens zoom (33–132mm equivalent, f/2.8-5.9 aperture) offers limited framing versatility and no options for upgrades or specialized optics. While suitable for casual use, it restricts creative exploration.

For photographers who value system expandability, the K-S2’s lens arsenal is a decisive advantage.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera performs across various core photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• FS42: The lens offers decent bokeh at f/2.8 wide end but lacks selective focus control or eye-detection AF. Skin tones render fairly well under natural light but can be soft.
• K-S2: Wide aperture lenses available enable excellent subject isolation and creamy bokeh. The face/eye detection AF and manual exposure control produce flattering portraits, even in mixed lighting.

Landscape Photography

• FS42: Modest sensor limits dynamic range capture; no weather sealing constrains usage in harsh outdoors.
• K-S2: Large sensor and excellent dynamic range with weather-resistant body make it my preferred landscape tool. High-resolution files enable fine detail.

Wildlife Photography

• FS42: Slow AF and limited zoom restrict the FS42 to very close stationary subjects.
• K-S2: Moderate continuous shooting speed and wide telephoto lenses make it useful for passionate wildlife shooters on a budget.

Sports Photography

• FS42: Continuous shooting is too slow, and AF tracking is non-existent.
• K-S2: Good autofocus tracking and burst rate deliver reliable performance for amateur sports shooters.

Street Photography

• FS42: Superb portability and quiet operation favor candid shooting, but limited AF modes and fixed lens restrict framing creativity.
• K-S2: Bulkier but more adaptable owing to lens options; excellent in low light venues.

Macro Photography

• FS42: Minimal macro focus range (~5 cm), no stabilization; usable for casual close-ups only.
• K-S2: Compatible with dedicated macro lenses and sensor-shift stabilization allow precise, high-quality close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

• FS42: Image noise sets in quickly beyond ISO 400; longer shutter exposure up to 60 seconds is possible but quality is constrained.
• K-S2: High ISO capabilities and manual exposure modes facilitate star trails and night scenes with minimal noise.

Video Capabilities

• FS42: Videos max out at 848 x 480 resolution (VGA), using Motion JPEG codec - barely adequate today.
• K-S2: Full HD (1080p) at 30p with MPEG-4/H.264 offers solid video quality; microphone input adds audio versatility.

Travel Photography

• FS42: Ultra-lightweight and pocketable with decent zoom make it ideal for quick captures.
• K-S2: Larger but significantly more versatile; longer battery life (410 shots per charge) supports extended trips.

Professional Work

• FS42: Limited manual controls, no RAW, and modest image quality make it unsuitable for professional-grade results.
• K-S2: RAW shooting, manual exposure, extensive lenses, and durable body mark it as an entry point for professional photographers on a budget.

Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back Pentax K S2 front Pentax K S2 screen back

This image gallery underscores the Pentax’s superior detail, color fidelity, and dynamic range, especially noticeable in shadow and highlight retention.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The K-S2 outclasses the FS42 substantially in battery endurance, rated for approximately 410 shots per battery, versus the unspecified, but comparatively minimal runtime in the FS42’s standard compact battery. When shooting a day outdoors, this difference is striking.

Both cameras support SD cards, but the K-S2 handles SDHC and SDXC cards allowing you to utilize high-capacity, fast cards necessary for RAW and HD video workflows.

Connectivity and Modern Convenience Features

Connectivity-wise, the Pentax K-S2 offers Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control - a definite modern convenience. It also supports HDMI output and includes a microphone port, adding flexibility for multimedia use.

The FS42 lacks wireless connectivity completely, has no HDMI output, nor audio input, reflecting its earlier design era.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Where’s Your Dollar Best Spent?

Both cameras fall into roughly the same street price (~$580), but that parity hides an enormous gap in capability and future-proofing.

• The Panasonic FS42 is best viewed as an ultra-budget compact good for beginners wanting an easy, lightweight camera for snapshots.
• The Pentax K-S2, meanwhile, offers vastly superior core specifications suitable for enthusiasts desiring to explore photography seriously, across multiple genres and lighting conditions.

Our expert reviewers rate the K-S2 notably higher on performance and flexibility metrics.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Panasonic Lumix FS42 and Pentax K-S2 boils down to your photographic ambitions and preferred shooting style.

• Choose the Panasonic FS42 if:

  • You want an ultra-lightweight, pocketable camera for casual everyday snapshots.
  • You rarely shoot beyond bright daylight and prefer point-and-shoot simplicity.
  • Budget constraints prevent investing in a DSLR system and you’re not interested in advanced controls or lens swapping.

• Choose the Pentax K-S2 if:

  • You are serious about improving your photography skills with manual controls and RAW support.
  • You appreciate the creative flexibility offered by interchangeable lenses.
  • You need a durable camera capable of handling diverse shooting situations, from portraits to landscapes to action.
  • Video capabilities, longer battery life, and wireless connectivity are important to you.

While the FS42 represents a snapshot of late-2000s compact technology, the K-S2 embodies a more modern, versatile photographic toolkit - even at entry-level pricing.

As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras in the field, I can confidently say that if your budget stretches to the K-S2, it’s by far the better investment for lasting photographic satisfaction. However, if pocket convenience and ultra-simple operation top your priority list, the FS42 still serves that niche adequately.

Happy shooting - whichever camera you choose!

This concludes our comprehensive Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K-S2 comparison. If you have specific questions about a use case or want further lens recommendations, feel free to ask!