Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-01

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic FZ300 versus Pentax K-01, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and K-01 (16MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ300 was released 3 years later than the K-01 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FZ300 grades vs the K-01 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Pentax K-01. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ300 enjoys outside dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has proportions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") along with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ300 versus Pentax K-01 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FZ300 versus the K-01.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ300 and K-01 is 59 and 76 respectively.

Generally, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ300 and K-01.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ300 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-01 will render more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more modern FZ300 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.