Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the FZ200 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FZ200 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The FZ200 was unveiled 7 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the FZ200 grades versus the ist DS2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ200 provides outside dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the FZ200 and the ist DS2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ200 and ist DS2 is 65 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements only by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ200 and ist DS2.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FZ200 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ200 will resolve greater detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer FZ200 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.