Panasonic S2 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic S2 versus Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the S2 (14MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the S2 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S2 was released 6 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the S2 matches up versus the ist DS2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S2 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S2 has got external measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs) and the Pentax ist DS2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S2 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the S2 versus the ist DS2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the S2 and ist DS2 is 96 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the S2 and ist DS2.

As you can see, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S2 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic S2 will deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern S2 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.