Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax K-500

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The FP1 was brought out 4 years prior to the K-500 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FP1 scores against the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP1 has physical measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FP1 against the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FP1 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out specifications. The graphic below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and K-500.

Plainly, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FP1 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-500 will show more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older FP1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.