Panasonic FX700 vs Pentax ist DS2

Following is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic FX700 vs Pentax ist DS2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the FX700 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FX700 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

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The FX700 was brought out 4 years after the ist DS2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FX700 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the FX700 scores against the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FX700 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FX700 features exterior dimensions of 104mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.1" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 176 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX700 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FX700 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FX700 and ist DS2 is 94 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The picture here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX700 and ist DS2.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FX700 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic FX700 will result in more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FX700 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.