Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-S2

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-S2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The FZ80 was brought out 24 months later than the K-S2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FZ80 scores vs the K-S2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ80 offers physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") and a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ80 versus the K-S2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ80 and K-S2 is 63 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at specifications. The visual below should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ80 and K-S2.

Plainly, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ80 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-S2 will give you greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent FZ80 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.