Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-5

Following is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was unveiled 11 months before the K-5 so they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FH1 grades vs the K-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 & Pentax K-5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 enjoys external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FH1 compared to the K-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and K-5 is 95 and 60 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading specifications. The image here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and K-5.

Plainly, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FH1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will deliver greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FH1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.