Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-500

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty similar but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ100 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the K-500 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a short view of how the FZ100 matches up vs the K-500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ100 has external dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FZ100 against the K-500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ100 and K-500 is 67 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The pic here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ100 and K-500.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FZ100 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-500 will offer extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged FZ100 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.