Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax ist DS2

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax ist DS2, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the ZS100 (1") and ist DS2 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The ZS100 was unveiled 10 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the ZS100 scores vs the ist DS2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS100 provides physical dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS100 and Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS100 vs the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and ist DS2 is 87 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The image below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will deliver more detail having an extra 14MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger ZS100 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.