Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K10D

Below is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K10D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FX78 (12MP) and the K10D (10MP) is fairly comparable but the FX78 (1/2.3") and K10D (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FX78 was introduced 4 years later than the K10D and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FX78 scores against the K10D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Pentax K10D. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Pentax K10D Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX78 offers outer dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K10D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") with a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K10D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the FX78 vs the K10D.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FX78 and K10D is 95 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by going through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX78 and K10D.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FX78 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FX78 will provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer FX78 should have an edge in sensor innovation.