Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-5 II

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-5 II, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was manufactured 4 years prior to the K-5 II and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FH1 scores versus the K-5 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Pentax K-5 II. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH1 has exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 II has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH1 vs Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FH1 and the K-5 II.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FH1 and K-5 II is 95 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing technical specs. The visual below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FH1 and K-5 II.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-5 II will provide more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older FH1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.