Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax E85

The following is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax E85, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and E85 (12MP) and the ZS100 (1") and E85 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The ZS100 was unveiled 6 years after the E85 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ZS100 grades vs the E85 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax Optio E85. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS100 provides outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax E85 has proportions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax E85 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the ZS100 against the E85.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS100 and E85 is 87 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by looking through a spec sheet. The image underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and E85.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will render extra detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern ZS100 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.