Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K10D

Following is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic S1 and Pentax K10D, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the S1 (12MP) and the K10D (10MP) is pretty well matched but the S1 (1/2.3") and K10D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S1 was released 4 years after the K10D which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the S1 matches up against the K10D when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 & Pentax K10D. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic S1 Gallery & Pentax K10D Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic S1 has got physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax K10D has specifications of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S1 and Pentax K10D in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the S1 against the K10D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S1 and K10D is 96 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through a spec sheet. The image below will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1 and K10D.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S1 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic S1 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots much more aggressively. The fresher S1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.