Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K100D

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic SZ5 versus Pentax K100D, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and K100D (6MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The SZ5 was unveiled 5 years later than the K100D and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the SZ5 matches up vs the K100D with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Pentax K100D. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Pentax K100D Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ5 provides physical measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Pentax K100D has specifications of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ5 versus Pentax K100D in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ5 compared to the K100D.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and K100D is 95 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The graphic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ5 and K100D.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ5 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic SZ5 will resolve more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent SZ5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.