Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS12 was brought out 5 years prior to the K-5 IIs and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the FS12 grades vs the K-5 IIs in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS12 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 enjoys external measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 IIs has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FS12 versus the K-5 IIs.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and K-5 IIs is 95 and 60 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out specs. The visual below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FS12 and K-5 IIs.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FS12 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 IIs will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older FS12 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.