Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax K-1

Below is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax K-1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH5 was brought out 6 years before the K-1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FH5 scores versus the K-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Pentax K-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH5 offers exterior measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") and a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax K-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FH5 compared to the K-1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and K-1 is 96 and 55 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by going over specs. The visual below might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and K-1.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH5 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-1 will offer you more detail having its extra 20MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older FH5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.