Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K100D

Here is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and K100D (6MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

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The SZ1 was launched 5 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ1 scores vs the K100D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax K100D. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ1 enjoys physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) and 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).

See the Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K100D in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ1 versus the K100D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and K100D is 95 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through specifications. The photograph here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ1 and K100D.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic SZ1 will render extra detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The newer SZ1 provides an advantage in sensor tech.