Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K100D

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the FZ47 (12MP) and K100D (6MP) and the FZ47 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ47 was released 4 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FZ47 matches up against the K100D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 and Pentax K100D. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ47 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ47 features outside dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Pentax K100D has dimensions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K100D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the FZ47 compared to the K100D.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ47 and K100D is 68 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing specifications. The graphic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ47 and K100D.

To sum up, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FZ47 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ47 will render more detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The newer FZ47 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.