Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K100D

Lets examine more closely at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K100D, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and K100D (6MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and K100D (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The FS42 was revealed 2 years after the K100D which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FS42 matches up versus the K100D when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax K100D. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS42 has got outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has measurements of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K100D in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the FS42 against the K100D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and K100D is 95 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by going over specs. The image underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and K100D.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FS42 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FS42 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent FS42 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.