Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-S2

Below is a detailed overview of the Panasonic FX580 and Pentax K-S2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The FX580 was introduced 7 years before the K-S2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FX580 grades vs the K-S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FX580 has physical dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has proportions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") having a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FX580 and Pentax K-S2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the FX580 vs the K-S2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FX580 and K-S2 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Usually, its tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements simply by looking at technical specs. The visual here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FX580 and K-S2.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FX580 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will give more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The older FX580 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.