Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax K-01

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax K-01, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the ZS100 (1") and K-01 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS100 was unveiled 3 years later than the K-01 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the ZS100 scores vs the K-01 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Pentax K-01. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS100 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has measurements of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax K-01 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the ZS100 compared to the K-01.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and K-01 is 87 and 76 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and K-01.

Clearly, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer you more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher ZS100 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.