Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax K-x

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax K-x, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and K-x (12MP) and the ZS100 (1") and K-x (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was announced 6 years later than the K-x and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a short introduction of how the ZS100 matches up vs the K-x in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax K-x. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax K-x Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS100 has external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-x has measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax K-x in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS100 vs the K-x.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS100 and K-x is 87 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The visual below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and K-x.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The newer ZS100 will have a benefit in sensor tech.