Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax K-01

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax K-01, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is fairly similar but the FP5 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FP5 was released 17 months before the K-01 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FP5 scores against the K-01 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Pentax K-01. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP5 provides exterior measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-01 has sizing of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax K-01 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FP5 against the K-01.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FP5 and K-01 is 95 and 76 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading a spec sheet. The pic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FP5 and K-01.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FP5 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-01 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged FP5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.