Panasonic FP2 vs Pentax K-500

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FP2 and Pentax K-500, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP2 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very similar but the FP2 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FP2 was unveiled 4 years before the K-500 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the FP2 scores against the K-500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP2 provides outside 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) while the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP2 and Pentax K-500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FP2 compared to the K-500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FP2 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP2 and K-500.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FP2 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-500 will offer you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older FP2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.