Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax K-x

The following is a in-depth review of the Panasonic FH5 versus Pentax K-x, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and K-x (12MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and K-x (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH5 was revealed 13 months after the K-x which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the FH5 matches up versus the K-x in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Pentax K-x. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Pentax K-x Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH5 enjoys exterior measurements 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-x has dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH5 versus Pentax K-x in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH5 compared to the K-x.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FH5 and K-x is 96 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions simply by going over specs. The picture here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FH5 and K-x.

As you can plainly see, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FH5 with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic FH5 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The newer FH5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.