Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic FZ80 and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ80 (18MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FZ80 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FZ80 was unveiled 11 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the FZ80 scores against the ist DS2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 and Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ80 has outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") and a weight of 616 grams (1.36 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).

Examine the Panasonic FZ80 and Pentax ist DS2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FZ80 vs the ist DS2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and ist DS2 is 63 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specs. The graphic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ80 and ist DS2.

All in all, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ80 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic FZ80 will offer more detail having an extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The fresher FZ80 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.