Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-r

Here, we will be matching up the Panasonic FZ100 and Pentax K-r, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the K-r (12MP) is relatively comparable but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was released 7 months prior to the K-r and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the FZ100 grades vs the K-r when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 & Pentax K-r. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery & Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ100 enjoys physical 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-r has measurements of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ100 and Pentax K-r in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ100 compared to the K-r.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ100 and K-r is 67 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out specifications. The visual below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ100 and K-r.

To sum up, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FZ100 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ100 will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FZ100 will be behind in sensor tech.