Panasonic FP2 vs Pentax K-3 II

Following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic FP2 versus Pentax K-3 II, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the FP2 (14MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the FP2 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FP2 was unveiled 6 years before the K-3 II which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FP2 matches up against the K-3 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Pentax K-3 II. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP2 features outer 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 K-3 II has sizing of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP2 versus Pentax K-3 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the FP2 versus the K-3 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP2 and K-3 II is 95 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The picture here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FP2 and K-3 II.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FP2 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-3 II will render more detail having an extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged FP2 will be behind in sensor technology.