Panasonic FP8 vs Pentax K-r

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic FP8 and Pentax K-r, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the K-r (12MP) is very close but the FP8 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FP8 was unveiled 19 months prior to the K-r making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the FP8 matches up versus the K-r in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Pentax K-r. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP8 provides exterior dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has measurements of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP8 and Pentax K-r in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the FP8 versus the K-r.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FP8 and K-r is 95 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FP8 and K-r.

Clearly, both the cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The FP8 has got the smaller sensor which should make obtaining bokeh more difficult. The older FP8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.