Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-7

Here is a thorough review of the Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-7, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is relatively close but the FH20 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH20 was announced 4 months later than the K-7 which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the FH20 grades vs the K-7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Pentax K-7. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Pentax K-7 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH20 offers exterior dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax K-7 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH20 against the K-7.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FH20 and K-7 is 93 and 60 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH20 and K-7.

As you can tell, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH20 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-7 will render greater detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures much more aggressively.