Panasonic FP8 vs Pentax S1

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic FP8 and Pentax S1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the S1 (14MP) is pretty comparable and they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FP8 was introduced 19 months before the S1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the FP8 scores versus the S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Pentax Optio S1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP8 has got external measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Pentax S1 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FP8 and Pentax S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FP8 vs the S1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FP8 and S1 is 95 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements purely by checking out technical specs. The visual below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FP8 and S1.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Pentax S1 to provide greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older FP8 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.