Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-S1

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-S1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The FX78 was introduced 4 years prior to the K-S1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the FX78 scores against the K-S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 & Pentax K-S1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX78 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FX78 provides outside measurements of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the FX78 versus the K-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and K-S1 is 95 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FX78 and K-S1.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX78 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-S1 will provide greater detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older FX78 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.