Panasonic FP7 vs Pentax WS80

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Panasonic FP7 and Pentax WS80, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Waterproof by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the FP7 (16MP) and WS80 (10MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FP7 was revealed 18 months later than the WS80 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax WS80 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief overview of how the FP7 scores against the WS80 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 and Pentax Optio WS80. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP7 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP7 has got external dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Pentax WS80 has proportions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP7 and Pentax WS80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the FP7 vs the WS80.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FP7 and WS80 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over specifications. The visual here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP7 and WS80.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FP7 to deliver more detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher FP7 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.