Panasonic FP2 vs Pentax K-3

Below, we are looking at the Panasonic FP2 and Pentax K-3, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the FP2 (14MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FP2 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The FP2 was launched 5 years before the K-3 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FP2 scores against the K-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FP2 has got 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 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP2 and Pentax K-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FP2 against the K-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP2 and K-3 is 95 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FP2 and K-3.

Clearly, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FP2 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-3 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged FP2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.