Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-5

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

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The FZ300 was introduced 4 years after the K-5 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FZ300 scores versus the K-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Pentax K-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ300 comes with physical measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the FZ300 vs the K-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and K-5 is 59 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specifications. The pic here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ300 and K-5.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FZ300 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will give extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The younger FZ300 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.