Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K100D

Below is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K100D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and K100D (6MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The ZS3 was brought out 2 years later than the K100D and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the ZS3 scores against the K100D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax K100D. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS3 enjoys outer dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K100D has proportions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K100D in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the ZS3 compared to the K100D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and K100D is 91 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The visual here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and K100D.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS3 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher ZS3 should have a benefit in sensor technology.