Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax K-01

Lets look closer at the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax K-01, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The FP1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the K-01 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FP1 grades against the K-01 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Pentax K-01. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP1 provides outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-01 has measurements of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") having a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax K-01 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the FP1 and the K-01.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and K-01 is 95 and 76 respectively.

Typically, its tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The visual below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP1 and K-01.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP1 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-01 will render extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older FP1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.