Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K100D S

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K100D S, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ1 was launched 4 years after the K100D S which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ1 grades against the K100D S with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax K100D Super. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ1 comes with physical dimensions 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 S has sizing of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K100D S in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the SZ1 vs the K100D S.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ1 and K100D S is 95 and 65 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ1 and K100D S.

Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SZ1 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic SZ1 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern SZ1 will have a benefit in sensor technology.