Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax KP

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax KP, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS100 (20MP) and the KP (24MP) is fairly similar but the ZS100 (1") and KP (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The ZS100 was introduced 12 months prior to the KP and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax KP being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the ZS100 scores versus the KP when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Pentax KP. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Pentax KP Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS100 comes with outer 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) and the Pentax KP has dimensions of 132mm x 101mm x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") having a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax KP in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS100 vs the KP.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS100 and KP is 87 and 61 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The photograph here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and KP.

All in all, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZS100 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax KP will offer you extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The older ZS100 is going to be behind in sensor technology.