Panasonic FP7 vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FP7 and Pentax ist DS2, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the FP7 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FP7 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The FP7 was brought out 5 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the FP7 scores vs the ist DS2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 and Pentax ist DS2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP7 Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FP7 comes with exterior measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP7 and Pentax ist DS2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the FP7 and the ist DS2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP7 and ist DS2 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking technical specs. The graphic here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP7 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP7 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FP7 will resolve extra detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The newer FP7 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.