Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K100D S

Here, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K100D S, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was manufactured 6 years later than the K100D S and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the ZS40 matches up versus the K100D S when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax K100D Super. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS40 features external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Pentax K100D S has sizing of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K100D S in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS40 versus the K100D S.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and K100D S is 90 and 65 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS40 and K100D S.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS40 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic ZS40 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more modern ZS40 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.