Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K100D

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the FZ40 (14MP) and K100D (6MP) and the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FZ40 was manufactured 3 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FZ40 matches up vs the K100D when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Pentax K100D. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 offers exterior dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) whilst the Pentax K100D has specifications of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K100D in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the FZ40 and the K100D.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and K100D is 68 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through technical specs. The visual below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and K100D.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic FZ40 will result in greater detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FZ40 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.