Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax K-S1

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic FH5 and Pentax K-S1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FH5 (16MP) and the K-S1 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the FH5 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The FH5 was brought out 4 years earlier than the K-S1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the FH5 matches up vs the K-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Pentax K-S1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 offers outside dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") along with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Pentax K-S1 has dimensions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH5 and Pentax K-S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the FH5 versus the K-S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and K-S1 is 96 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The image below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH5 and K-S1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FH5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-S1 will give you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged FH5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.