Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 vs Pentax K-5: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When it comes to choosing a camera, the landscape can be daunting - from compact point-and-shoots to advanced DSLRs, the choices feel almost endless. Today, I bring you a comprehensive, hands-on comparison between two representative cameras from quite different segments: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 compact and the Pentax K-5 advanced DSLR. Both were launched around the same time, yet their design intentions, technical capabilities, and user profiles couldn’t be more divergent.

I’ve spent extensive hours with each - the FH5 as a nimble travel companion and casual shooter, and the K-5 as a tool built for dedicated enthusiasts and pros demanding versatility, build quality, and performance. Here’s a deep, balanced assessment that will help you pinpoint which camera aligns with your photography goals and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Right off the bat, the physical contrasts are clear. The Panasonic Lumix FH5 is ultra-compact and lightweight, making it a perfect grab-and-go camera. Measuring just 94 x 54 x 19 mm and weighing a mere 121 grams, it slips easily into pockets or small bags.

In contrast, the Pentax K-5 is a mid-sized DSLR, with quite robust dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm and a heftier 740 grams. This heft isn’t accidental - the K-5 emphasizes a solid grip, ruggedness, and balance when paired with larger lenses. Its magnesium alloy body also promises weather sealing, a key asset for outdoor and professional use.

Ergonomically, the K-5 offers dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, along with customizable buttons accessible without menu diving. The FH5’s fixed lens and minimal controls simplify shooting but offer far less tactile feedback or manual control. This design leans heavily on ease of use rather than flexibility.

On top view, the FH5 keeps things tidy with a minimalistic layout, whereas the K-5 houses a more feature-rich array of buttons and dials, indicative of its priority on rapid access and customization.

Bottom line on handling: If you prize portability and quick point-and-shoot convenience, the FH5 excels. But if you demand confident grip, manual controls, and durability, the K-5 clearly outclasses it.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the System

The FH5 employs a small 1/2.3” CCD sensor - measuring only 6.08 x 4.56 mm, it offers 16MP resolution but suffers from intrinsic physical limitations. Smaller sensors generally have less dynamic range and weaker high-ISO performance due to smaller pixel sizes, which reduces low-light capability and tends to yield more noise when pushed.

The Pentax K-5, on the other hand, boasts a large APS-C sized 23.7 x 15.7 mm CMOS sensor, also 16MP. This larger sensor translates to significantly better image quality, especially under tough lighting conditions. The K-5’s sensor technology captures more light per pixel, offering improved dynamic range, better color depth, and higher usable ISO sensitivity levels up to 12,800 native (expandable to 51,200). In contrast, the FH5 tops out at ISO 6,400 but remember – with a smaller sensor, results at this ISO will be noisier.

DxOMark benchmarks support this gap: the K-5 scores an impressive 82 in overall sensor performance, with 14.1 stops of dynamic range and 23.7 bits of color depth - metrics that firmly place it among excellent APS-C cameras of its time. The FH5 lacks official DXO testing but experience and sensor size norms suggest it cannot match the K-5’s imaging prowess.

For photographers prioritizing crisp landscapes, portraits with creamy bokeh, or low-light shots, the sensor advantage is decisive.

Beyond Resolution: Autofocus and Shooting Performance

When testing AF systems, I always approach each with controlled focus charts and real-world subjects alike - tracking moving targets, low-contrast subjects, and varying light conditions.

The Panasonic FH5 offers contrast-detect autofocus across 11 points and includes face detection, which is surprisingly effective for casual portraits and snapshots. However, its AF speed is modest, and it lacks manual focus or advanced tracking systems. It shoots at a 4 fps burst rate without continuous AF capability - fair for its class but limiting for sports or wildlife.

Conversely, the Pentax K-5 shines with an 11-point autofocus module featuring 9 cross-type sensors and full-phase detection - giving it excellent speed and accuracy. It comfortably handles single, continuous AF, and tracking modes, adapting well to unpredictable subjects. At 7 fps burst shooting, it caters to sports and wildlife photographers requiring swift frame capture without compromising focus. The K-5’s AF is clearly superior in responsiveness and flexibility.

While the FH5’s AF is adequate for casual snapshots and basic portraiture, beware if fast action or critical focus is your main need.

Display and User Interface: How You Interact Matters

The FH5 sports a modest 2.7-inch, fixed, 230k-dot LCD with a non-touch interface. This makes framing and reviewing shots serviceable but uninspiring. No tilting, no touchscreen, and limited brightness mean struggles under bright sunlight or low light.

The K-5 offers a bigger 3-inch, fixed 921k-dot TFT LCD with better resolution and visibility, although the lack of touchscreen and articulating screen is a slight downside by modern standards. It compensates with a brilliant optical pentaprism viewfinder - 100% coverage and 0.61x magnification provide dependable, clear composition, crucial for manual focus and fast shooting without relying fully on the screen.

Interestingly, neither camera supports touchscreen focus or full live view AF, reflecting technological standards at their announcement dates, but the K-5’s interface is markedly more customizable and ergonomic - you can adjust exposure, focus modes, and more without cumbersome menu diving.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Fixed Lens vs Interchangeable

The FH5 is a fixed lens compact, equipped with a 28-112 mm equivalent zoom (4x), max aperture range f/3.1-6.5, and 5.9x focal length multiplier due to sensor size. The lens delivers enough versatility to cover typical casual and travel needs - from wide-angle framing to modest telephoto - but with limited optical quality and low-light performance, given the small aperture and sensor.

The Pentax K-5 uses the Pentax KAF2 mount, unlocking access to a mature ecosystem of over 150 native lenses ranging from fast primes to pro telephotos, including specialized macro and tilt-shift optics. This flexibility significantly elevates the K-5’s utility in any photography discipline. Additionally, Pentax’s sensor-based stabilization benefits any mounted lens, a huge plus for long exposures and slow shutter speeds.

Put simply, if expanding your creative control and optical quality is a priority, the K-5’s system creates possibilities that none of the FH5’s built-in zoom can reach.

Genre Breakdown: How Each Performs Across Photography Types

I always like to consider how a camera fares across varied real-world genres - since no single performance metric tells the full story.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic FH5: While the FH5’s 16MP sensor can deliver decent detail, its small sensor and relatively slow lens (f/3.1-6.5) limit background separation and bokeh quality. Face detection aids autofocus, but no eye detection. Skin tones are pleasant but can lose subtle gradations, especially in challenging light.
• Pentax K-5: With an APS-C sensor and access to fast lenses (e.g., 50mm f/1.4), the K-5 shines in portraits. Creamy bokeh, wide dynamic range, and accurate face detection allow professional-quality portraits with rich tonality. Manual focus is also available for precise eye-level sharpness.

Landscape Photography

• FH5: Small sensor limits dynamic range handling; nonetheless, decent resolution and 28mm wide end can capture landscapes for casual use. No weather sealing or manual controls hinder professional landscape shooting.
• K-5: Excellent - APS-C sensor for detailed, low-light capture; rugged weather sealing; strong dynamic range; plus ability to use ultra-wide or tilt-shift lenses. Fully manual exposure modes ensure creative control.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• FH5: Limited zoom reach (112mm equiv.) constrains wildlife framing. AF speed and continuous shooting (4 fps) are modest - okay for incidental action but not demanding subjects.
• K-5: 7 fps burst and advanced AF enable wildlife and sports use, especially paired with telephoto lenses. Weather sealing helps in field conditions. Though not a flagship sports camera, it holds its own for enthusiast use.

Street Photography

• FH5: Small size, discreet body, and quick autofocus lend themselves well to street candids. However, fixed lens and limited low-light ISO capacity reduce versatility somewhat.
• K-5: Larger body calls attention, but robust low-light performance and customizable controls equip the user for nuanced street shots. Using smaller primes can improve stealth.

Macro and Close-up

• FH5: Macro focus at 5 cm is reasonable for casual close-ups but lacks dedicated stacking or focus bracketing.
• K-5: Supports macro lenses and manual focus precision, enabling superior close-up work. No focus bracketing built-in, but that’s standard for its generation.

Night and Astrophotography

• FH5: Noise at high ISO and limited exposure times restrict astrophotography. Optical stabilization helps handheld shots, but sensor size limits star field clarity.
• K-5: High ISO expanding to 51,200 and 14 stops dynamic range open possibilities for night landscapes and astro. Sensor stabilization and long shutter capability improve results dramatically.

Video Capabilities

• FH5: Limited to 720p video at 30 fps encoded as Motion JPEG; lacks microphone input or advanced stabilization - strictly casual video use.
• K-5: Provides Full HD 1080p video at 25 fps with microphone input; while not a dedicated video camera, it can serve hybrid shooters wanting higher-quality footage with manual controls.

Travel Photography

• FH5: Lightweight, pocketable, and ready for casual travel documentation. Battery lasts roughly 260 shots, which is middling.
• K-5: Heavy but weather sealed - more a serious traveler’s toolkit; battery longevity around 980 shots supports extended trips; flexibility in lenses meets diverse shooting requirements.

Professional Workflows

• FH5: No RAW support limits post-processing latitude; JPEG compression is noticeable. No tethering or GPS options.
• K-5: RAW output, extensive exposure modes, and Pentax K-ruggedness position it for dependable pro workflows. HDMI output and optional GPS add connectivity and situational awareness.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for the Field?

The Pentax K-5’s magnesium alloy frame and comprehensive weather sealing against rain, dust, and cold temperatures (down to freezing) provide peace of mind for artists who venture beyond studio walls. It remains operational in rugged environments where failure is not an option.

The Panasonic FH5’s plastic, budget-oriented construction lacks any weather sealing or rugged features. It’s designed for casual handling under moderate indoor or outdoor conditions only.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will It Last Out There?

The Pentax K-5 takes a clear lead with a quoted battery life of approximately 980 shots (CIPA rating), which translates into real-world performance capable of all-day shooting with moderate breaks. It uses a powerful D-LI90 battery pack.

The FH5 offers roughly 260 shots per battery charge - enough for a day’s casual shooting but limiting for extended sessions without spares. It uses a proprietary battery pack that tends to be less long-lasting.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only the K-5 offers comprehensive file management geared to professional needs.

Connectivity: Modern Conveniences in a Legacy Era

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - reflective of their 2010-2011 announcement dates. The FH5 offers USB 2.0 but no HDMI; the K-5 adds HDMI output and a microphone port, aiding more advanced workflows.

For tethering or GPS, the K-5 allows optional GPS modules, an edge over the Panasonic’s lack of any GPS integration.

Price and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At launch, the Panasonic Lumix FH5 was a budget-friendly compact at roughly $170, targeting casual consumers wanting a simple, lightweight camera with decent image quality for everyday use.

The Pentax K-5, priced around $800 body-only, sits firmly in the enthusiast to semi-pro segment. Its value proposition stems from robust build, high image quality, substantial lens investment options, and creative control.

Considering depreciation and current used market values, the K-5 remains a strong value for photographers seeking a durable DSLR at a competitive price, whereas the FH5 only suits those prioritizing ultra-portable simplicity.

Performance Scores and Summary Visuals

To consolidate these findings, our detailed testing metrics provide an at-a-glance view of general and genre-specific performance indicators.

Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back Pentax K 5 front Pentax K 5 screen back

From the gallery test shots, note the K-5’s superior sharpness, dynamic range retention, and color fidelity - all enhanced by APS-C sensor qualities.

The K-5 scores substantially higher across imaging, autofocus, handling, and low-light performance categories.

You’ll see the FH5 holds its own primarily in travel and street classes due to size advantages, but the K-5 dominates in nearly every other crucial photographic use case.

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 - The Compact Companion

I recommend the FH5 if:

• You crave an ultra-compact, pocket-ready camera without the hassle of lenses or manual controls
• Your photography priorities are casual snapshots, travel vacation photos, and sharing via social apps (acknowledging the lack of wireless features)
• Budget is tight, and you want a simple point-and-shoot with basic optical stabilization and face detection
• You do not plan to shoot professionally or under challenging conditions

Despite its limitations (sensor size, no RAW, limited video, and basic autofocus), the FH5 can be a pocket-friendly everyday camera ideal for beginners and those who want simplicity.

Pentax K-5 - The Enthusiast’s Workhorse

The K-5 is the clear choice if:

• You require dependable, high-quality images with greater control over exposure, focus, and optics
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, or night photography seriously - demanding solid AF, rugged build, and a dynamic lens ecosystem
• Long battery life, full manual modes, and workflow flexibility (RAW, HDMI, mic input) are critical
• You are less concerned with bulk and more invested in maximizing image quality and creative possibilities

Its combination of technical prowess and solid build positions the K-5 as a reliable DSLR even by modern standards, excellent for enthusiasts and some professional assignments.

Final Words from My Extensive Testing

Having tested thousands of cameras, including those from Panasonic and Pentax, I find the Lumix FH5 and Pentax K-5 occupy very different niches; it's like comparing a nimble city scooter to an all-terrain SUV. Each excels where designed. The FH5 offers true portability and ease of use with compromises in image quality and speed. The K-5 delivers much more in every photographic sense - image quality, speed, handling - but requires investment in lenses and carries more bulk.

Your decision depends on the kind of photography you do and portability vs quality tradeoffs you accept. If you want just “shoot and share” simplicity in a compact package, the FH5 can suffice. For creative freedom and pro-level performance, the K-5 remains an enduringly capable DSLR.

I hope this deep comparison helps you navigate your choice with confidence. If questions arise about specific features or use cases, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to distill hands-on knowledge to empower your photographic journey. Happy shooting!