Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-01

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-01, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FZ100 was released 22 months prior to the K-01 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a quick view of how the FZ100 scores vs the K-01 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Pentax K-01. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ100 has exterior dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has proportions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-01 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ100 compared to the K-01.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ100 and K-01 is 67 and 76 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The pic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ100 and K-01.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ100 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-01 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged FZ100 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.