Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax ist DL2

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax ist DL2, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP1 was brought out 4 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FP1 grades vs the ist DL2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 & Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP1 offers exterior 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) and the Pentax ist DL2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax ist DL2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the FP1 vs the ist DL2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and ist DL2 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Usually, its tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through specs. The image here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FP1 and ist DL2.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FP1 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FP1 will show extra detail having its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer FP1 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.