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Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7

Portability
95
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 front
 
Pentax K-7 front
Portability
60
Imaging
54
Features
69
Overall
60

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Key Specs

Panasonic FS15
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600 (Bump to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 29-145mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 97 x 54 x 22mm
  • Launched January 2009
Pentax K-7
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 2000 (Boost to 6400)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 750g - 131 x 97 x 73mm
  • Launched October 2009
  • Replacement is Pentax K-5
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Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Overview

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is relatively close but the FS15 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS15 was unveiled 8 months earlier than the K-7 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FS15 grades versus the K-7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic FS15 over the Pentax K-7

 FS15 K-7 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-7 over the Panasonic FS15

 K-7 FS15 
LaunchedOctober 2009January 2009Fresher by 8 months
Manual focus Dial exact focus
Screen dimension3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")
Screen resolution921k230kSharper screen (+691k dot)

Common features in the Panasonic FS15 and Pentax K-7

 FS15 K-7 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Missing Touch friendly screen

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS15 offers physical dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Pentax K-7 has sizing of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the FS15 and the K-7.

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 size comparison

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS15 and K-7 is 95 and 60 respectively.

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The visual underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS15 and K-7.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FS15 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-7 will render greater detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older FS15 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 sensor size comparison

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Panasonic FS15
Portrait photography with Pentax K-7
20
lack of manual focus
no manual mode
can't use external flash
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
72
focusing manually
good megapixels (15 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
has face detect focus
supports RAW files
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Panasonic FS15
Street photography with Pentax K-7
56
image stabilization (Optical)
fixed screen
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
66
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
environment proof
no moving screen
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic FS15 as a Sports photography camera
Pentax K-7 as a Sports photography camera
25
image stabilization (Optical)
very slow continuous shooting (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have phase detect auto focus
69
great max shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good megapixels (15 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
environment proof
has phase detect auto focus
slow continuous shooting (5.0 frames per second)
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic FS15 Travel photography details
Pentax K-7 Travel photography details
51
built-in flash
no Time Lapse recording
low resolution sensor (12 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not good (29mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
64
environment proof
good megapixels (15MP)
has built in flash
display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic FS15 as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-7 as a Landscape photography camera
27
image stabilization (Optical)
lack of manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not good (29mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
no manual mode
low resolution sensor (12MP)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW support
no Time Lapse recording
77
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a good size (3")
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good megapixels (15 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
environment proof
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic FS15 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-7 as a Vlogging camera
25
image stabilization (Optical)
wide angle not good (29mm)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen isn't selfie friendly
low quality video (640 x 480 pxls)
no external mic jack
25
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
has face detect focus
display isn't selfie friendly
video resolution low (1280 x 720 resolution)
doesn't have microphone port
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Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-7 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic FS15 and Pentax K-7
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15Pentax K-7
General Information
Brand Panasonic Pentax
Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 Pentax K-7
Category Ultracompact Advanced DSLR
Launched 2009-01-16 2009-10-02
Body design Ultracompact Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor - Prime II
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 23.4 x 15.6mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 365.0mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 15MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 3:2
Peak resolution 4000 x 3000 4672 x 3104
Highest native ISO 1600 2000
Highest enhanced ISO 6400 6400
Lowest native ISO 80 100
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points 11 11
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens Pentax KAF2
Lens focal range 29-145mm (5.0x) -
Maximal aperture f/3.3-5.9 -
Macro focus range 5cm -
Available lenses - 151
Focal length multiplier 5.9 1.5
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 2.7" 3"
Display resolution 230 thousand dot 921 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Display tech - TFT color LCD with AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.61x
Features
Min shutter speed 60 secs 30 secs
Max shutter speed 1/2000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shutter speed 2.0fps 5.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range - 13.00 m
Flash settings Auto, Auto Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash sync - 1/180 secs
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 1536 x 1024 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 640x480 1280x720
Video data format Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 136 gr (0.30 lb) 750 gr (1.65 lb)
Dimensions 97 x 54 x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") 131 x 97 x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 61
DXO Color Depth score not tested 22.6
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 10.6
DXO Low light score not tested 536
Other
Battery life - 980 images
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model - D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal SD/SDHC/MMC
Storage slots One One
Cost at release $180 $599