Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The FX78 was announced 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FX78 scores vs the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX78 enjoys physical measurements 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 ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX78 and Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FX78 vs the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FX78 and ist DS2 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The visual below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FX78 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FX78 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Panasonic FX78 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images way more aggressively. The more recent FX78 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.