Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax K-50

Following is a detailed comparison of the Panasonic FS42 versus Pentax K-50, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and K-50 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was unveiled 5 years prior to the K-50 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FS42 matches up against the K-50 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax K-50. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS42 features external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FS42 versus Pentax K-50 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the FS42 compared to the K-50.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and K-50 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The image below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and K-50.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FS42 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-50 will resolve extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged FS42 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.