Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax K-S1

Here is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax K-S1, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and K-S1 (20MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and K-S1 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The FP1 was launched 5 years earlier than the K-S1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-S1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FP1 matches up vs the K-S1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Pentax K-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Pentax K-S1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP1 comes with external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Pentax K-S1 has proportions of 121mm x 93mm x 70mm (4.8" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 558 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax K-S1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the FP1 against the K-S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP1 and K-S1 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing specs. The visual below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP1 and K-S1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-S1 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older FP1 will be behind in sensor innovation.