Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K10D

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K10D, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FS42 (10MP) and the K10D (10MP) is relatively close but the FS42 (1/2.5") and K10D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was unveiled 2 years after the K10D which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FS42 grades versus the K10D in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax K10D. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax K10D Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 comes with outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Pentax K10D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs).

See the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax K10D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the FS42 vs the K10D.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and K10D is 95 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions purely by researching technical specs. The picture below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and K10D.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor dimensions. The FS42 offers the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower depth of field harder. The more modern FS42 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.