Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K100D S

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K100D S, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and K100D S (6MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K100D S (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS8 was released 4 years after the K100D S which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K100D S being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the ZS8 grades versus the K100D S in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 & Pentax K100D Super. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery & Pentax K100D S Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS8 provides outer measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax K100D S has proportions of 129mm x 91mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax K100D S in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS8 compared to the K100D S.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS8 and K100D S is 92 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor sizes only by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS8 and K100D S.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS8 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS8 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more recent ZS8 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.