Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K100D S

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K100D S, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS5 was brought out 3 years after the K100D S which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the ZS5 matches up versus the K100D S in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Pentax K100D Super. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Pentax K100D S Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys outside measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Pentax K100D S has dimensions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax K100D S in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS5 versus the K100D S.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and K100D S is 92 and 65 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through specs. The image below might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS5 and K100D S.

All in all, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS5 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Panasonic ZS5 will resolve greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS5 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.