Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-5 II

In this article, we will be evaluating the Panasonic FZ80 versus Pentax K-5 II, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is pretty comparable but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The FZ80 was announced 3 years after the K-5 II which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick summation of how the FZ80 matches up vs the K-5 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

For those who are going to travel with your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ80 comes with external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") and a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 II has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

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

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the FZ80 against the K-5 II.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and K-5 II is 63 and 60 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions simply by checking out specs. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ80 and K-5 II.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FZ80 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic FZ80 will show more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer FZ80 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.