Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax ist DS2

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax ist DS2, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The FP1 was brought out 4 years after the ist DS2 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summation of how the FP1 grades versus the ist DS2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP1 enjoys outer 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 ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the FP1 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP1 and ist DS2 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking technical specs. The image below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP1 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FP1 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FP1 will resolve extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The younger FP1 will have an edge in sensor technology.