Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K100D S

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K100D S, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was unveiled 23 months after the K100D S which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summary of how the ZS3 matches up against the K100D S in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax K100D Super. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS3 offers external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K100D S has proportions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K100D S in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the ZS3 against the K100D S.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and K100D S is 91 and 65 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through technical specs. The image here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and K100D S.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 with its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Panasonic ZS3 will provide more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS3 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.