Panasonic LZ40 vs Pentax K100D

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and K100D (6MP) and the LZ40 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The LZ40 was introduced 7 years later than the K100D and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the LZ40 scores vs the K100D for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 and Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LZ40 offers external dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has dimensions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax K100D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the LZ40 compared to the K100D.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the LZ40 and K100D is 67 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The visual here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the LZ40 and K100D.

To sum up, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LZ40 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic LZ40 will give you greater detail using its extra 14MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The more recent LZ40 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.