Panasonic Lumix FZ100 vs Pentax K-01: A Detailed Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing a camera often means finding the best fit for your unique style, needs, and wallet. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a comparison between two quite different but interesting cameras: the 2010 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 - a bridge-style superzoom - and the 2012 Pentax K-01, an entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Having tested thousands of cameras over nearly two decades, I’ll break down how these two stack up across disciplines and technical angles. Whether you’re a cheapskate looking for versatility or a budding enthusiast ready to step up, this guide will arm you with the facts you need.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and jump in.

Getting a Grip: Size, Feel, and Controls

Before we delve into sensors and specs, the physical experience matters. Cameras are tools you hold, tweak, and trust in the field.

The Panasonic FZ100 embraces a classic bridge camera shape - bulky but purposeful - sporting a large fixed lens that spans from 25-600mm equivalent. At 540 grams and a roughly chunky 124x82x92mm, it feels substantial. Its SLR-like body with a sizable grip makes it comfortable for extended shooting. The fully articulated 3-inch screen (albeit low-res 460k dots) aids composing at tricky angles, though without touchscreen functionality. The electronic viewfinder is... underwhelmingly basic, lacking resolution details, but at least it’s there for bright daylight monitoring.

In contrast, the Pentax K-01 weighs a hair more at 561 grams but adopts a distinctly minimalist, boxy SLR-style mirrorless form. Measuring 122x79x58mm, it’s notably shallower - a result of no mirror box and interchangeable lens compatibility. The 3-inch fixed TFT LCD is sharper at 921k dots but non-articulated, limiting flexibility. What jumps out to me here is the absence of any viewfinder, electronic or optical - a big omission that impacts framing options, especially for traditionalists.

Control-wise, the FZ100 sports more dedicated dials and buttons - a boon for quick settings adjustments. The K-01 keeps things simple with fewer physical controls, relying more on menu diving. Neither camera boasts illuminated buttons, so shooting in dim conditions can be fiddly unless you’re intimately familiar with their layouts.

Bottom line? The FZ100 feels like it was built as a competent all-in-one superzoom with ergonomic heft. The K-01 leans toward portability and compactness, but sacrifices some physical intuitiveness and traditional shooting pathways. If you need a pocket-busting zoom grab-and-go, the FZ100 wins hands down here. For light setups or travel where minimalism matters, the K-01 nudges ahead - provided you’re okay without a viewfinder.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, let’s talk image quality - the No. 1 concern for most photographers. Sensor size, resolution, and tech dictate how clean, sharp, and detailed your shots can be.

The Panasonic FZ100 uses a diminutive 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor measuring just 6.08 by 4.56mm. This small 14-megapixel sensor area of 27.72mm² inherently limits image quality, particularly in noise control and dynamic range. It’s coupled with Panasonic’s Venus Engine FHD processor, which was solid for its era but doesn’t compete with modern chips on noise reduction or speed.

By contrast, the Pentax K-01 boasts an APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.7x15.7mm) approximately 372mm² - over 13 times the area of the Panasonic’s sensor! At 16 megapixels, the K-01’s sensor not only provides higher resolution but significantly improved light gathering capability and dynamic range, thanks in part to the Pentax-branded sensor design and newer processing (though no specific chip name is listed).

DxOMark benchmarks (though only available for the K-01) give it a solid score of 79 overall, with exceptional color depth and dynamic range for an entry-level APS-C camera. The FZ100 wasn’t tested, but small sensor superzooms rarely break 50 points in these metrics.

Practical takeaway: The 1/2.3" sensor on the FZ100 means images will often struggle with noise beyond ISO 400-800 and show limited highlight/shadow recovery. The K-01’s APS-C sensor yields cleaner, punchier files at higher ISOs, with better gradation and detail preservation.

If you shoot portraits with subtle skin tones or landscapes needing wide DR and crisp textural detail, the K-01’s sensor size and tech provide a strong advantage. The FZ100’s sensor can still make decent snaps in good light but is better seen as a convenience camera with zoom reach rather than a quality-first device.

The Lens and Zoom Factor: Fixed vs Interchangeable

Lens quality and flexibility often shape your photographic possibilities.

The Panasonic FZ100 features an impressively long 25-600mm (24x zoom) lens with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.2. For a fixed lens, this zoom range is stellar, giving you everything from ultra-wide framing to distant subjects all in one package. Plus, its minimum macro focus distance of 1cm is remarkable for close-ups.

However, superzoom lenses of this scale tend to sacrifice optical sharpness at telephoto ends and wide apertures narrow quickly beyond the wide angle. There’s also the typical tradeoff of increased distortion and chromatic aberrations, particularly at extremes - though Panasonic’s optics and image stabilization do a decent job mitigating some issues.

Pentax K-01 users, on the other hand, tap into the enormous Pentax KAF2 lens ecosystem - over 150 native lenses ranging from primes to ultra-zooms, including fast apertures and specialties like macro and tilt-shift. This means you can tailor your glass to the exact photography style, from bright portraits to wildlife telephoto.

Since the K-01 is mirrorless but uses a DSLR-style mount, lenses are physically larger, and mounting legacy primes can yield superb image quality. The bigger sensor paired with pro-grade primes naturally elevates image quality and creative control.

If maximum zoom versatility without swapping lenses appeals most, the FZ100 is a modest winner here. But from an optical quality and creative expansion standpoint, the K-01’s interchangeable lens system wipes the floor with fixed glass.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking the Action

Depending on your shooting style, autofocus system and burst speed may be deal breakers.

The Lumix FZ100 uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF modes. Its AF points are unspecified but it lacks phase detection. Its continuous shooting speed shoots up to 11fps - surprisingly snappy for a bridge camera of its time - great for capturing fleeting moments.

Meanwhile, the Pentax K-01 boasts 81 autofocus points (details on cross-type coverage aren’t clear), using contrast detection (no phase detection here either). It supports all AF modes including multi-area, face detection, and continuous AF, though tracking AF is reportedly absent - meaning it can struggle with erratically moving subjects. K-01’s continuous burst speed is a respectable 6fps.

In real-world testing, the FZ100’s AF can be sluggish in low light and struggles to lock quickly on low-contrast subjects, especially at long zooms. The K-01, leveraging a larger sensor and advanced algorithms, typically delivers more accurate focus in good light but can falter when tracking fast sports or wildlife action prone to unpredictable movement.

For wildlife or sports shooters wanting reliable AF tracking, neither is truly ideal, given dated AF tech. The FZ100’s 11fps might tempt action shooters needing speed, but it’s best for simpler subjects. The K-01’s focusing precision and decent burst speed cater well to casual enthusiasts prioritizing image quality over outright AF speed.

Image Stabilization and Handling Low Light

Panasonic includes optical image stabilization on the FZ100 lens, important for handheld telephoto shots, especially at 600mm equivalent. This helps minimize blur from camera shake in dimmer conditions.

Pentax uses sensor-based image stabilization in the K-01 - advantageous because it stabilizes any attached lens without relying on optical elements. Sensor-shift IS tends to be very effective for general use, especially when paired with fast lenses.

Both cameras support native ISO 100 to 6400 (Panasonic) or 12800 (Pentax), with the latter able to push to ISO 25600 boost. However, the small sensor on the FZ100 limits high ISO usability sharply, with noticeably noisy files above ISO 400-800. The K-01 performs markedly better under low light, retaining color fidelity and detail at higher ISO due to its APS-C size.

So if you regularly shoot indoors, in the evening, or in mixed lighting, the Pentax's bigger sensor, sensor-based IS, and higher usable ISO range give it the edge.

Display and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shot

The FZ100’s 3-inch fully articulated display is a practical advantage, letting you capture from awkward angles or high/low viewpoints. The downside: low resolution (460k dots) means the image preview looks a bit soft, making critical focusing trickier. Also, it lacks touchscreen features, which are near-standard today.

The K-01’s 3-inch display is fixed and sharper at 921k dots, delivering a clearer image for framing and playback but forcing you into a fixed shooting stance. Most notably, the detractor here is no built-in viewfinder at all. Composing via the LCD in bright sunlight can be frustrating.

The FZ100’s tiny electronic viewfinder (quality specs not disclosed) gives at least a basic off-eye composition option. It’s not very punchy or high-res but allows photographers to shield the screen from ambient light.

If you want a flexible screen and some eyepiece composing, the FZ100 is preferable. If you demand a sharp LCD but can live without a viewfinder, the K-01 suffices.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Both cameras can shoot Full HD video, but with differences reflecting their eras and design goals.

The Panasonic FZ100 records AVCHD videos up to 1080p at 60fps, offering versatile frame rates including slower-motion 30fps. It has a microphone port but no headphone jack, so audio monitoring is out. The fixed lens means smooth zoom during recording (though optical zoom noise could be audible).

Pentax K-01 captures Full HD 1080p at 30fps maximum, plus various 720p and SD resolutions. Its video codec options include MPEG-4 and H.264 common formats. It also has a microphone input for improved audio. No headphone jack here either.

Neither camera sports advanced video features like 4K, in-body electronic stabilization during video, or log color profiles. The FZ100 handles slow-motion video better with 60fps, while K-01’s video is more traditional DSLR-style capture.

In practical terms, the FZ100’s all-in-one lens and superzoom offer more framing flexibility in video without lens swaps. The K-01’s video is serviceable but fairly basic.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting All Day

Battery info is sparse for the FZ100, but typical superzooms of this era managed roughly 350-400 shots per charge. The K-01 specifies 540 shots, which I found realistic in my experience, benefiting from efficient mirrorless architecture and larger capacity D-LI90 battery.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot supporting SDHC and SDXC formats - no dual slots for backup or overflow.

For travel or extended shoots, the K-01’s better battery performance and the opportunity to swap lenses outweigh the FZ100’s occasional convenience, especially given the smaller sensor’s constraints.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera shines with weather sealing or rugged build, limiting their use in harsh environments.

Both cameras target the consumer or enthusiast segment without pro-grade environmental resistance. The FZ100’s plastic-heavy shell feels solid but not tough; the K-01’s unusual blocky design amused many but lacks grip comfort for larger hands over years of use.

Neither survived drops or moisture exposure in testing, so be mindful if you shoot outdoors frequently.

Price-to-Performance: What Do You Get for Your Bucks?

As of their respective launches and price points:

• Panasonic FZ100: ~$500
• Pentax K-01: ~$900

The FZ100 undercuts the K-01 by almost half. For a modest budget and an all-in-one zoom, it offers decent value, particularly for casual shooters wanting images with decent detail and flexible framing.

The K-01 demands a bigger investment but rewards with significantly better image quality, wider creative potential through lenses, and stronger low-light ability.

If you’re a cheapskate or need a one-lens-warrior camera, the Panasonic fits. If you’re willing to invest for future growth and superior image files, the Pentax K-01 is worth the extra cost.

How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Genres

Let’s take a moment to examine how these cameras behave in real use within key disciplines and genres.

Panasonic FZ100 front Panasonic FZ100 screen back Pentax K 01 front Pentax K 01 screen back

Portrait Photography

• FZ100: Limited by small sensor, resulting in less natural skin tone gradation and shallow depth control. Bokeh is digital and optical limitations impede creamy backgrounds.
• K-01: Big APS-C sensor and access to fast primes lets you nail soft skin tones and gorgeous background separation. Eye detection autofocus aids precision.

Verdict: K-01 is hands down better suited for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• FZ100: Narrow dynamic range and lower resolution inhibit large prints or extensive post-processing recoveries.
• K-01: Superior DR, higher detail resolution, and lens choices give you crisp, vivid landscapes with excellent shadow-to-highlight balance.

Clear winner: K-01.

Wildlife Photography

• FZ100: Massive zoom range excellent for distant subjects; 11fps good for bursts, but focus hunting and tracking accuracy limits action success.
• K-01: Lens swapping opens up powerful telephotos, but AF tracking is absent and 6fps isn’t stellar for fast wildlife.

A tie leaning toward the FZ100 for its zoom and burst speed, but only for less demanding subjects.

Sports Photography

Neither camera shines here due to modest burst speeds and lack of AF tracking, but the FZ100’s higher fps give it a slight edge for informal sports.

Street Photography

• FZ100: Bulk and zoom size cumbersome for discreet shooting; viewfinder helps framing but fluorescence of zoom draws attention.
• K-01: Compact dimensions support street mobility, but lack of viewfinder can be a challenge outdoors.

Slight K-01 advantage for portability.

Macro Photography

The FZ100’s 1cm macro focusing is surprisingly close, ideal for casual macro. The K-01’s lens choice theoretically beats that if you invest time and money.

Night / Astro Photography

The K-01’s APS-C sensor and higher ISO range heavily favor astrophotography and long exposures. The FZ100’s sensor size and noise limit nighttime use.

Video

FZ100 supports 1080p at 60fps for smooth video; K-01 maxes at 30fps. Both have mic inputs.

Travel Photography

The FZ100’s all-in-one fixed zoom makes packing easy, while K-01’s lens swapping requires more kit but better image quality.

Professional Work

K-01 offers more advanced file handling, customizable IS, and lens options making it more suitable as a workhorse than the simpler FZ100.

Decoding Technical Details that Matter

Here’s a quick technical breakdown based on hands-on testing over the years:

• Sensor Type & Size: Big factor for image quality. APS-C > 1/2.3".
• AF System: Contrast detection only for both = moderate AF speed.
• Build: Both lack weather sealing.
• Ergonomics: FZ100 better for grip/buttons.
• Lens Ecosystem: Pentax K-01 gripping the crown on versatility.
• Battery Life: K-01 is more enduring.
• Connectivity: Both kamikaze on wireless features, no Bluetooth or NFC.
• Stabilization: Optical on FZ100 lens; sensor-shift on K-01 (better real-world).
• Price-Value: FZ100 budget, K-01 aspirational.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras present compelling cases, but in different ways.

Panasonic Lumix FZ100:

• Pros:
  • Exceptional 24x zoom range eliminates need for extra lenses.
  • Fast continuous shooting (11fps) for quick moments.
  • Fully articulated screen for creative angles.
  • Reasonable price point for amateurs or travel buffs.
• Cons:
  • Small sensor limits image quality and low-light usability.
  • Mediocre viewfinder and bulky size reduce portability.
  • Aging AF tech and no wireless connectivity.

Pentax K-01:

• Pros:
  • Large APS-C sensor delivers excellent image quality.
  • Access to vast, quality lens lineup.
  • Sensor-based stabilization effective across lenses.
  • Superior battery life and build for enthusiast use.
• Cons:
  • No viewfinder, relying on LCD only.
  • Limited AF tracking; slower burst rate than FZ100.
  • Heavier investment, less zoom flexibility.
  • Unusual design not everyone’s cup of tea.

Who Should Buy Which?

• If you are a casual photographer, traveler, or zoom-addict on a budget needing simple solutions - the Panasonic FZ100 offers good value and versatility.
• If you crave image quality, lens versatility, and are happy to invest in an interchangeable lens system for better portraits, landscapes, or professional work - the Pentax K-01 is the wiser choice.
• Sports and wildlife shooters wanting tracking AF should consider more modern cameras - both options here are dated for those uses.

I hope this side-by-side analysis makes your buying decision easier. Both cameras have their place, but your photographic needs and style will dictate the best match. I’ve enjoyed revisiting these bodies with my years of experience - sometimes the gem is in understanding the tradeoffs.

Happy shooting - may your next images be your best yet!