Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax K-3 II

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax K-3 II, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FP1 was revealed 6 years before the K-3 II and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FP1 scores against the K-3 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Pentax K-3 II. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP1 has external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 II has sizing of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax K-3 II in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the FP1 compared to the K-3 II.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and K-3 II is 95 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by reading specifications. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FP1 and K-3 II.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-3 II will offer you greater detail because of its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older FP1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.