Panasonic FH8 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH8 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is fairly close but the FH8 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FH8 was unveiled 17 months earlier than the K-5 IIs making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FH8 matches up against the K-5 IIs for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH8 has outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH8 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FH8 against the K-5 IIs.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH8 and K-5 IIs is 96 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes just by looking through specs. The picture below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH8 and K-5 IIs.

All in all, the two cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The FH8 contains the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The more aged FH8 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.