Panasonic FH2 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Panasonic FH2 versus Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the FH2 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FH2 was launched within a month of the K-5 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FH2 matches up versus the K-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH2 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH2 provides outer dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst 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 FH2 versus Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FH2 compared to the K-5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FH2 and K-5 is 96 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by checking specifications. The graphic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and K-5.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FH2 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-5 will give more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively.