Panasonic FS7 vs Pentax E85

Following is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FS7 vs Pentax E85, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FS7 (10MP) and the E85 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the FS7 (1/2.5") and E85 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS7 was manufactured 8 months before the E85 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FS7 grades vs the E85 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Pentax Optio E85. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS7 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS7 features physical measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Pentax E85 has sizing of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS7 vs Pentax E85 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the FS7 compared to the E85.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS7 and E85 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The pic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FS7 and E85.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS7 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax E85 will give more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged FS7 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.