Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-01

Following is a thorough overview of the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-01, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The FX580 was revealed 4 years prior to the K-01 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the FX580 scores versus the K-01 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Pentax K-01. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX580 has outer dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Pentax K-01 has sizing of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-01 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the FX580 compared to the K-01.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FX580 and K-01 is 95 and 76 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes only by checking specs. The pic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FX580 and K-01.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FX580 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-01 will give extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FX580 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.