Panasonic FH7 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH7 and Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FH7 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is fairly well matched but the FH7 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The FH7 was launched 21 months earlier than the K-5 IIs making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FH7 scores versus the K-5 IIs for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FH7 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH7 enjoys physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH7 and Pentax K-5 IIs in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the FH7 against the K-5 IIs.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FH7 and K-5 IIs is 96 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specifications. The picture below might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH7 and K-5 IIs.

Plainly, both cameras offer the same exact resolution but different sensor dimensions. The FH7 offers the tinier sensor which should make getting shallow DOF trickier. The more aged FH7 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.