Panasonic FP8 vs Pentax K-30

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic FP8 versus Pentax K-30, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the FP8 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the FP8 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The FP8 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the K-30 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FP8 matches up against the K-30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Pentax K-30. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP8 offers outside measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP8 versus Pentax K-30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the FP8 against the K-30.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP8 and K-30 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by looking through specs. The picture below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FP8 and K-30.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FP8 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh harder and the Pentax K-30 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged FP8 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.