Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-5 II

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FS15 and Pentax K-5 II, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS15 (12MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the FS15 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The FS15 was revealed 5 years earlier than the K-5 II and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FS15 scores against the K-5 II when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 & Pentax K-5 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery & Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FS15 has got physical dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS15 and Pentax K-5 II in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the FS15 vs the K-5 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FS15 and K-5 II is 95 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by seeing specs. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS15 and K-5 II.

All in all, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS15 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-5 II will provide extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FS15 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.