Panasonic FZ60 vs Pentax ist DS2

The following is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic FZ60 and Pentax ist DS2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the FZ60 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FZ60 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The FZ60 was announced 7 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ60 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FZ60 matches up against the ist DS2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ60 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ60 provides external measurements of 120mm x 81mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 493 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ60 and Pentax ist DS2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the FZ60 compared to the ist DS2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ60 and ist DS2 is 68 and 68 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ60 and ist DS2.

Clearly, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FZ60 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FZ60 will give extra detail with its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The younger FZ60 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.