Panasonic LZ20 vs Pentax K100D

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic LZ20 and Pentax K100D, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the LZ20 (16MP) and K100D (6MP) and the LZ20 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The LZ20 was introduced 5 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the LZ20 matches up against the K100D in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20 & Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic LZ20 Gallery & Pentax K100D Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic LZ20 provides outer measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Pentax K100D has sizing of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic LZ20 and Pentax K100D in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the LZ20 compared to the K100D.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the LZ20 and K100D is 71 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing just by going through specifications. The visual below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the LZ20 and K100D.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The LZ20 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic LZ20 will show greater detail using its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher LZ20 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.