Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K200D

The following is a complete review of the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K200D, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FX78 (12MP) and the K200D (10MP) is fairly close but the FX78 (1/2.3") and K200D (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FX78 was unveiled 2 years after the K200D which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K200D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the FX78 scores vs the K200D in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Pentax K200D. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Pentax K200D Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FX78 features external measurements of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Pentax K200D has specifications of 134mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.3" x 3.7" x 2.9") having a weight of 690 grams (1.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax K200D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the FX78 vs the K200D.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and K200D is 95 and 61 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions just by looking through technical specs. The pic here may offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FX78 and K200D.

As you have seen, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FX78 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic FX78 will render extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The more modern FX78 should have an advantage in sensor technology.