Nikon D300S vs Panasonic FP5

On this page, we will be comparing the Nikon D300S and Panasonic FP5, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the D300S (12MP) and the FP5 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the D300S (APS-C) and FP5 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The D300S was announced 13 months before the FP5 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon D300S being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the D300S matches up vs the FP5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D300S and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon D300S Gallery and Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon D300S offers outer dimensions of 147mm x 114mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 2.9") along with a weight of 938 grams (2.07 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP5 has measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Look at the Nikon D300S and Panasonic FP5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the D300S vs the FP5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the D300S and FP5 is 55 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through a spec sheet. The pic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D300S and FP5.

As you can see, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The D300S using its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Panasonic FP5 will provide greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged D300S will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.