Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-S1

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-S1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The FZ80 was revealed 2 years after the K-S1 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the FZ80 grades against the K-S1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Pentax K-S1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ80 comes with exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S1 has sizing of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") and a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-S1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the FZ80 against the K-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ80 and K-S1 is 63 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading through specifications. The picture here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ80 and K-S1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FZ80 with its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will give extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher FZ80 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.