Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-1

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FX78 was unveiled 6 years before the K-1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FX78 grades versus the K-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 & Pentax K-1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX78 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX78 has exterior dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-1 has sizing of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the FX78 and the K-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FX78 and K-1 is 95 and 55 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FX78 and K-1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX78 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-1 will produce greater detail having an extra 24 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older FX78 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.