Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-500

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FX78 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

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The FX78 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the K-500 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FX78 grades vs the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX78 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX78 features exterior dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX78 versus Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the FX78 compared to the K-500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and K-500 is 95 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FX78 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FX78 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-500 will resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older FX78 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.