Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax K-7

The following is a extended review of the Panasonic FZ200 versus Pentax K-7, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ200 (12MP) and the K-7 (15MP) is fairly comparable but the FZ200 (1/2.3") and K-7 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was released 2 years after the K-7 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the FZ200 grades against the K-7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Pentax K-7. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Pentax K-7 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ200 offers outer measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-7 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ200 versus Pentax K-7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the FZ200 vs the K-7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ200 and K-7 is 65 and 60 respectively.

Often, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing technical specs. The pic below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ200 and K-7.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FZ200 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-7 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The younger FZ200 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.