Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax RS1500

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax RS1500, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and RS1500 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and RS1500 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The FS42 was introduced 23 months prior to the RS1500 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the FS42 scores versus the RS1500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax Optio RS1500. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 has got physical 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 RS1500 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax RS1500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the FS42 against the RS1500.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and RS1500 is 95 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes simply by checking specifications. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and RS1500.

To sum up, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS42 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax RS1500 will give you greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged FS42 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.