Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K100D

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and K100D (6MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The FX78 was announced 4 years later than the K100D and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FX78 grades versus the K100D with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX78 has external dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has measurements of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K100D in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the FX78 versus the K100D.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FX78 and K100D is 95 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The photograph here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX78 and K100D.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FX78 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FX78 will give you more detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer FX78 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.