Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax K-30

Here, we are evaluating the Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax K-30, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is fairly close but the FP5 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FP5 was brought out 22 months before the K-30 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the FP5 matches up versus the K-30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 & Pentax K-30. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP5 features outer measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP5 vs Pentax K-30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the FP5 vs the K-30.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FP5 and K-30 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FP5 and K-30.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-30 will result in more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FP5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.