Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-5

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic FP3 and Pentax K-5, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is very comparable but the FP3 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The FP3 was brought out 11 months before the K-5 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the FP3 scores against the K-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP3 has got external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP3 and Pentax K-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FP3 vs the K-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP3 and K-5 is 95 and 60 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The pic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and K-5.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FP3 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-5 will show greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged FP3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.