Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax W90

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax W90, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the W90 (12MP) is fairly close and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ300 was launched 5 years after the W90 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax W90 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief summation of how the FZ300 grades against the W90 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Pentax Optio W90. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Pentax W90 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ300 provides physical dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) and the Pentax W90 has specifications of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax W90 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FZ300 vs the W90.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and W90 is 59 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The picture below might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ300 and W90.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution so you can expect comparable quality of files though you should take the age of the cameras into account. The fresher FZ300 provides a benefit in sensor tech.