Panasonic FZ1000 vs Pentax ist DS2

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic FZ1000 and Pentax ist DS2, former being a Large Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the FZ1000 (20MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FZ1000 (1") and ist DS2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The FZ1000 was manufactured 8 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FZ1000 grades versus the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 & Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ1000 enjoys physical dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") having a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ1000 and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ1000 compared to the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ1000 and ist DS2 is 55 and 68 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ1000 and ist DS2.

Clearly, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FZ1000 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 will render greater detail due to its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images much more aggressively. The newer FZ1000 will have a benefit in sensor tech.