Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K100D

Here, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K100D, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and K100D (6MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K100D (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS8 was announced 4 years after the K100D which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the ZS8 matches up against the K100D in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Pentax K100D. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Pentax K100D Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS8 has got external measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) while the Pentax K100D has sizing of 129mm x 93mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 660 grams (1.46 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K100D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the ZS8 against the K100D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and K100D is 92 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading specifications. The pic below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and K100D.

To sum up, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS8 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS8 will offer greater detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more modern ZS8 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.