Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K100D S

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K100D S, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The SZ8 was introduced 6 years later than the K100D S and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SZ8 matches up vs the K100D S with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Pentax K100D Super. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Pentax K100D S Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ8 has got outer dimensions of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while 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).

See the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K100D S in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ8 and the K100D S.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ8 and K100D S is 94 and 65 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by going through specifications. The graphic here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ8 and K100D S.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ8 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic SZ8 will provide greater detail using its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The newer SZ8 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.