Panasonic FP2 vs Pentax K-r

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic FP2 versus Pentax K-r, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FP2 (14MP) and the K-r (12MP) is relatively well matched but the FP2 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP2 was introduced 14 months prior to the K-r which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the FP2 matches up against the K-r in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Pentax K-r. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP2 comes with external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has sizing of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FP2 versus Pentax K-r in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the FP2 compared to the K-r.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FP2 and K-r is 95 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at specs. The graphic below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FP2 and K-r.

All in all, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP2 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FP2 will give you more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older FP2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.