Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K-50

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-50, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was unveiled 5 years before the K-50 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FS12 scores versus the K-50 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Pentax K-50. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS12 provides external measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-50 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the FS12 and the K-50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and K-50 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The picture below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS12 and K-50.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FS12 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-50 will deliver greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FS12 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.