Panasonic FP8 vs Pentax ist DS2

Below is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic FP8 versus Pentax ist DS2, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the FP8 (12MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the FP8 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FP8 was announced 3 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FP8 grades vs the ist DS2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 & Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP8 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP8 features physical measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FP8 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the FP8 vs the ist DS2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FP8 and ist DS2 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Often, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements purely by researching a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FP8 and ist DS2.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FP8 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FP8 will result in extra detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger FP8 provides an edge in sensor innovation.