Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax ist DS2

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The FZ300 was manufactured 10 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the FZ300 scores vs the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ300 enjoys external 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 ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FZ300 and the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ300 and ist DS2 is 59 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ300 and ist DS2.

As you can see, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ300 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FZ300 will render more detail due to its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos more aggressively. The fresher FZ300 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.