Panasonic Lumix FH22 vs Pentax K-5 II: A Hands-On Comparison From a Seasoned Pro

In today’s vast sea of camera choices, it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially when two models share similar price tags or target very different users. I’ve spent over 15 years rigorously testing cameras in all conditions, from harsh wild safaris to intimate studio portraits, so I’m sharing my detailed, first-hand experience comparing two quite distinct cameras: the compact Panasonic Lumix FH22 and the advanced DSLR Pentax K-5 II.

Although both cameras bear respectable reputations, they clearly serve different photographers. My goal here is simple: to help you understand where each excels or falls short, based on real-world shooting and technical evaluation. You’ll get an honest, balanced perspective on everything from sensor quality and autofocus performance to ergonomics and suitability for various genres of photography.

Let’s dive in.

Size and Handling: Pocket-Friendly vs. Robust DSLR

The first thing you notice when holding these two is their sheer difference in size and weight. The Panasonic Lumix FH22 is a tiny compact camera designed for casual, on-the-go shooting, weighing just 170 grams and fitting comfortably in a pocket or purse. In contrast, the Pentax K-5 II is a mid-sized DSLR that demands two hands, tipping the scales at 760 grams with a much bulkier body.

Above: The FH22’s slim, compact form contrasted with the Pentax K-5 II's robust, professional DSLR body.

The FH22's slim profile and minimalist controls cater to straightforward point-and-shoot use. It offers a 3-inch touchscreen fixed LCD without a viewfinder, making it easy to frame shots in bright daylight with some practice but limiting precision in challenging light.

The K-5 II features a traditional DSLR layout with a pentaprism optical viewfinder that covers 100% of the scene, a top LCD panel for quick settings checks, and a 3-inch high-resolution (921k dot) fixed TFT LCD. The camera feels solid and reassuring in hand, built for extended shooting sessions and professional use.

The ergonomics and control layout of the K-5 II are a major step up in complexity and customization - exactly what more advanced users want.

Above: The Pentax K-5 II’s extensive button array and top LCD contrasts with the FH22’s minimalist design.

My takeaway: If pocketability and travel convenience are priorities, the FH22’s compact size wins hands down. But for serious photography where manual control, grip comfort, and durable build matter, the K-5 II provides a professional feel that encourages long shoots and fast operation.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Compact Limits vs DSLR Excellence

Sensor technology is arguably the heart of any camera’s image quality, so I spent considerable time shooting test charts and real-world subjects on both models.

The Panasonic FH22 features a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14 megapixels of resolution. While adequate for snapshots and web use, this sensor’s size inherently limits dynamic range and low-light performance.

By contrast, the Pentax K-5 II boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.7 x 15.7 mm with 16 megapixels. This difference directly translates into better image quality across the board - improved sharpness, color depth, and noise control, especially in challenging light.

Above: APS-C-size sensor area on the Pentax K-5 II dwarfs the compact 1/2.3-inch sensor of the FH22.

DxOMark tests reflect this disparity clearly:

• Pentax K-5 II achieves an excellent overall DxO score of 82, with a stellar dynamic range of 14.1 EV and impressive color depth (23.8 bits).
• Panasonic FH22 was not formally tested by DxO but small sensor compacts rarely come close to APS-C level metrics.

In practical terms, I found the FH22 struggles with noise above ISO 400, producing soft, mushy images with limited tonal gradation. The K-5 II, meanwhile, delivers punchy colors and retains detail even pushed to ISO 1600, making it consistent across various lighting setups.

LCD and Viewfinder: Essential for Composition and Playback

The FH22 offers a 3-inch, 230k-dot fixed touchscreen LCD, which is responsive but low resolution by modern standards. It suffices for casual framing and quick photo review, though the reflective screen and limited brightness hinder usability under harsh sunlight.

The K-5 II’s fixed 3-inch TFT LCD features much higher resolution and a better viewing angle, improving critical review and live view use.

Crucially, the K-5 II has an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and ~0.61x magnification. While it doesn’t deliver focus peaking like mirrorless models, it remains the preferred method of precision composition and exposure judgment, especially when shooting manual focusing or fast action.

Above: The K-5 II’s richer, higher-res LCD provides improvements in composition and menu navigation over the FH22.

Lens System and Flexibility: Fixed Zoom vs Full Interchangeability

The FH22 comes with a fixed zoom lens equivalent to 28-224mm (8x zoom) but with a relatively slow aperture range from f/3.3 to f/5.9. This setup works for snapshots and casual travel, but the optics exhibit softness and distortion, especially at telephoto.

Pentax’s KAF2 lens mount has an extensive ecosystem of over 150 lenses, including primes, zooms, macro, tilt-shift, and specialty optics from Pentax and third parties. The K-5 II’s APS-C sensor also applies a 1.5x crop factor, helping users reach longer effective focal lengths with lenses designed for full-frame.

This lens flexibility is a big plus if you want to experiment across genres or upgrade your toolkit over time.

Autofocus and Speed: Contrast-Detection vs Advanced Phase-Detection

Autofocus performance is where the two cameras diverge dramatically.

The Lumix FH22 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with just 9 focus points and no continuous AF or tracking features. It’s reasonably accurate for static subjects but slow and prone to hunting in low light or movement, limiting its usefulness for action or wildlife.

In contrast, the K-5 II’s dedicated phase-detection AF with 11 points (9 cross-type) is fast, reliable, and supports continuous AF tracking. It also features face detection and several AF modes catering to various shooting scenarios. This system consistently nails focus even on erratically moving targets - a blessing for wildlife and sports shooters.

Continuous burst shooting rates reflect this difference:

• FH22 shoots at 5 fps but with AF locked on first frame only.
• K-5 II offers 7 fps with continuous AF, crucial for capturing decisive moments.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Where Each Shines

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The FH22’s small sensor and fixed lens produce modest background separation - the bokeh is often distracting with busy backgrounds due to the narrow aperture and sensor characteristics. Skin tones can appear slightly flat or over-processed by the camera’s internal JPEG algorithms.

The K-5 II shines here. The larger sensor combined with fast prime or portrait zoom lenses enables beautiful subject isolation with creamy bokeh. Skin tone rendering is natural and customizable via RAW editing, making it an excellent choice for studio or on-location portraits.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Detail

Landscape photography demands wide dynamic range and high resolution. The FH22’s sensor limits shadow detail recovery and is prone to highlight clipping in bright skies.

I found the K-5 II capable of capturing rich tones with plenty of headroom in RAW files. Its 16 MP resolution and high-quality Pentax lenses allow for sharp, detailed landscapes, especially when stabilized on a tripod.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst

For wildlife and sports, speed and AF tracking are paramount.

The FH22’s slow contrast AF and modest 5 fps mean you’re likely to miss fast action. The K-5 II’s 7 fps burst and phase-detection AF tracking with cross points make it far superior for capturing fleeting gestures or animals in motion.

It’s not flagship level speed, but balanced well for an advanced DSLR from 2013.

Street Photography: Discretion and Agility

Street shooters prize discreteness and portability.

The FH22’s small size and quiet operation make it an inconspicuous companion, great for candid moments in urban environments. However, its slow autofocus means you’ll miss some immediacy.

The K-5 II is comparatively loud and bulky but offers faster capture readiness and manual control precision - valuable for those who prioritize image quality over stealth.

Macro: Close Focus and Stabilization

The FH22 offers a macro focus distance as close as 5 cm, decent for casual close-ups, but lacks advanced stabilization modes for detailed macro work.

The K-5 II relies more on external lenses for macro, but with sensor-shift stabilization, it offers sharper handheld macro shots when paired with the right optics.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure

Low-light performance is mostly dictated by sensor size and processing.

The FH22’s noise rises quickly above ISO 400, limiting nighttime usability. The K-5 II maintains usable files up to ISO 3200 and beyond, with greater dynamic range and clean blacks, critical for nightscapes.

Long exposure metering and Bulb mode in the K-5 II support astrophotography well, unlike the simpler FH22.

Video Capabilities

The Lumix FH22 shoots HD 720p video but lacks microphone input and advanced controls, making it a basic video tool.

The K-5 II captures 1080p HD video and offers a microphone port, improving audio control for serious video recording, though its video features still trail modern mirrorless hybrids.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

The FH22 is a budget-friendly compact with limited weather protection and a plastic build appropriate for casual use only.

The Pentax K-5 II impresses with partial weather sealing (not dustproof or waterproof) and a robust magnesium alloy frame designed for rugged outdoor use - a critical factor for professionals working in unpredictable conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is another strong point for the K-5 II, rated around 980 shots per charge, supporting long field sessions without much worry.

The FH22’s specs do not list official battery capacity, but typical compact cameras run short on juice, requiring frequent recharging.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot, but the K-5 II accepts SDHC and SDXC cards, allowing larger storage pools for RAW files.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera has wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS built in, though the K-5 II supports optional GPS accessories.

The K-5 II includes an HDMI output for clean video display, absent from the FH22.

Real-World Shooting Gallery: A Visual Comparison

To better illustrate their capabilities, I shot the same scenes with both cameras under various conditions.

Panasonic FH22 front Panasonic FH22 screen back Pentax K 5 II front Pentax K 5 II screen back

Overall Performance Ratings

Combining sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, and features, here are the overall scores based on my full testing protocol:

The K-5 II clearly outperforms the FH22 across technical measures and practical use.

Photographic Genre Suitability and Scores

Looking deeper by genre, here’s how both cameras rank:

The FH22 is only recommended for casual travel and street photography under good light. The K-5 II is a serious contender in portraits, landscape, wildlife, macro, and even low light genres.

Who Should Consider the Panasonic Lumix FH22?

• Photographers on a tight budget who want an easy-to-use compact for travel snapshots and casual day-to-day shooting.
• Beginners or families wanting something simple without learning complex controls.
• Those valuing pocketability and selfie simplicity (though it lacks a front-facing screen).
• Occasional outdoor use in fair weather.

Limitations: No RAW support, slow and limited autofocus, basic video, and small sensor limit image quality.

Who Will Benefit from the Pentax K-5 II?

• Enthusiasts and semi-professionals seeking an affordable DSLR with strong image quality.
• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photographers who need fast performance and lens flexibility.
• Users wanting rugged build quality and weather sealing to shoot outdoors.
• Photographers who prefer optical viewfinder and manual operation.
• Video shooters requiring 1080p HD and microphone input.

Limitations: Larger and heavier, no touchscreen, no built-in wireless features, somewhat dated video specs.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In comparing the Panasonic Lumix FH22 and the Pentax K-5 II, the decision comes down to what you need from your camera:

• If portability, simplicity, and casual snapshots are your priorities, the FH22 does a respectable job as a compact travel companion, especially if you don’t want to fuss with interchangeable lenses or advanced menus.

• But if photography is more than a hobby or you want serious creative control, better image quality, and faster operation, the Pentax K-5 II is in a different league. It remains a powerful, versatile DSLR option offering pro-grade features at a very reasonable price.

I recommend prioritizing the K-5 II for anyone who plans to grow their skills, shoot diverse subjects, or require reliability in demanding situations. The FH22 makes sense as a budget-friendly entry point or an ultraportable backup to a more advanced camera.

Thanks for reading - I hope this in-depth comparison helps you make an informed choice grounded in real photographic use rather than just specs. Feel free to reach out with your questions or share your own experiences with these cameras!

Disclosure: I have no commercial affiliation with Panasonic or Pentax. All testing was conducted independently over multiple months using standard industry procedures and real-world scenarios.