Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-5

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is pretty close but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

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The FZ80 was manufactured 6 years later than the K-5 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the FZ80 scores against the K-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ80 comes with outside dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ80 versus the K-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ80 and K-5 is 63 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing merely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ80 and K-5.

As you can see, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ80 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ80 will render greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The fresher FZ80 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.