Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K100D

On this page, we are comparing the Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K100D, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and K100D (6MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The ZS45 was announced 8 years after the K100D which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the ZS45 grades versus the K100D for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS45 has got physical dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax K100D has dimensions of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") with a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K100D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZS45 against the K100D.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS45 and K100D is 91 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by reading technical specs. The pic underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS45 and K100D.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS45 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZS45 will offer greater detail with its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The newer ZS45 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.