Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-S2

The following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K-S2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and K-S2 (20MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FX78 was launched 5 years before the K-S2 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief view of how the FX78 matches up versus the K-S2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 & Pentax K-S2. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX78 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX78 has outer dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K-S2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FX78 and the K-S2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and K-S2 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by going through technical specs. The image here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FX78 and K-S2.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FX78 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-S2 will provide extra detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged FX78 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.