Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K100D

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic S1 versus Pentax K100D, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the S1 (12MP) and K100D (6MP) and the S1 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The S1 was revealed 4 years after the K100D which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the S1 scores versus the K100D for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 and Pentax K100D. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic S1 offers exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Pentax K100D has specifications of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

See the Panasonic S1 versus Pentax K100D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the S1 vs the K100D.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and K100D is 96 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The pic below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S1 and K100D.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S1 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic S1 will produce greater detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images much more aggressively. The newer S1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.