Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-5 II

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-5 II, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is very similar but the FP3 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the K-5 II which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FP3 matches up versus the K-5 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

When you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP3 features physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 II has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the FP3 against the K-5 II.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and K-5 II is 95 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specifications. The pic here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and K-5 II.

To sum up, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FP3 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-5 II will deliver extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images much more aggressively. The more aged FP3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.