Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

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The FX580 was manufactured 23 months prior to the K-5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FX580 scores vs the K-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FX580 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FX580 has got external dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FX580 versus the K-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX580 and K-5 is 95 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specs. The image here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX580 and K-5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FX580 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will offer more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged FX580 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.