Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-50

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-50, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is fairly close but the FP3 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP3 was manufactured 4 years prior to the K-50 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the FP3 matches up vs the K-50 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 & Pentax K-50. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP3 features exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-50 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the FP3 compared to the K-50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP3 and K-50 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements simply by researching technical specs. The photograph here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FP3 and K-50.

As you have seen, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FP3 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-50 will render more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FP3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.