Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-500, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very close but the FP3 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FP3 was launched 4 years prior to the K-500 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick view of how the FP3 grades vs the K-500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FP3 has physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the FP3 versus the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

Normally, its tough to envision the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The visual below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and K-500.

As you have seen, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP3 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-500 will render extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The older FP3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.