Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K-S2

In this article, we are evaluating the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K-S2, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and K-S2 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

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The FS42 was manufactured 6 years before the K-S2 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FS42 matches up vs the K-S2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 features exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has proportions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K-S2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS42 versus the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FS42 and K-S2 is 95 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and K-S2.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FS42 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will result in greater detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The older FS42 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.