Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax P70

The following is a thorough review of the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax P70, one is a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and P70 (12MP) and the ZS100 (1") and P70 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS100 was released 6 years after the P70 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the ZS100 matches up against the P70 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 and Pentax Optio P70. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. 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 P70 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax P70 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZS100 versus the P70.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and P70 is 87 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions merely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and P70.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher ZS100 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.