Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K100D

Here, we are analyzing the Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K100D, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and K100D (6MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The ZS20 was announced 5 years after the K100D which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the ZS20 grades vs the K100D in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS20 provides outer dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Pentax K100D has proportions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K100D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS20 against the K100D.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZS20 and K100D is 92 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions just by checking out technical specs. The image underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS20 and K100D.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS20 will provide more detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more modern ZS20 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.