Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax K-S2

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax K-S2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the XS1 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the XS1 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The XS1 was announced 3 years before the K-S2 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the XS1 scores versus the K-S2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 and Pentax K-S2. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic XS1 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic XS1 offers outer dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic XS1 vs Pentax K-S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the XS1 vs the K-S2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XS1 and K-S2 is 97 and 64 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The visual here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XS1 and K-S2.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XS1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will give you more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older XS1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.