Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax ist DL2

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax ist DL2, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and ist DL2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was unveiled 3 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FS42 grades versus the ist DL2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS42 features outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS42 and the ist DL2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and ist DL2 is 95 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FS42 will produce greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer FS42 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.