Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K-5

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The FS12 was revealed 20 months earlier than the K-5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the FS12 matches up vs the K-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Pentax K-5. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 enjoys outside dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FS12 compared to the K-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS12 and K-5 is 95 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by going through specifications. The photograph below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS12 and K-5.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS12 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-5 will show extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older FS12 will be behind in sensor innovation.