Panasonic FZ35 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below, we will be looking at the Panasonic FZ35 versus Pentax ist DS2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the FZ35 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FZ35 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The FZ35 was unveiled 4 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FZ35 grades against the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ35 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ35 has got physical measurements of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ35 versus Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the FZ35 vs the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ35 and ist DS2 is 72 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by reading through specifications. The pic here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ35 and ist DS2.

Plainly, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ35 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FZ35 will give you extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FZ35 will have an edge in sensor tech.