Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax ist DL2

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic FX580 versus Pentax ist DL2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The FX580 was introduced 3 years after the ist DL2 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FX580 grades versus the ist DL2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Pentax ist DL2. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FX580 comes with physical measurements 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 ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FX580 versus Pentax ist DL2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the FX580 against the ist DL2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FX580 and ist DL2 is 95 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out technical specs. The image underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FX580 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FX580 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FX580 will show greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FX580 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.