Panasonic FH7 vs Pentax ist DL2

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH7 versus Pentax ist DL2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the FH7 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the FH7 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH7 was revealed 5 years after the ist DL2 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the FH7 scores versus the ist DL2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH7 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH7 comes with exterior dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has dimensions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH7 versus Pentax ist DL2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the FH7 and the ist DL2.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FH7 and ist DL2 is 96 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at specifications. The image underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH7 and ist DL2.

Plainly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH7 with its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic FH7 will resolve more detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The younger FH7 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.