Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax K-30

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic FH5 and Pentax K-30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the FH5 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The FH5 was unveiled 22 months earlier than the K-30 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FH5 scores versus the K-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Pentax K-30. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 offers outer measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FH5 and Pentax K-30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the FH5 compared to the K-30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and K-30 is 96 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by going through specs. The photograph here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and K-30.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The FH5 uses the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The older FH5 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.