Panasonic FX78 vs Pentax K-50

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic FX78 versus Pentax K-50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the FX78 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the FX78 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FX78 was introduced 3 years prior to the K-50 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FX78 matches up versus the K-50 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78 and Pentax K-50. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FX78 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX78 comes with external dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FX78 versus Pentax K-50 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the FX78 against the K-50.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX78 and K-50 is 95 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX78 and K-50.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX78 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-50 will offer more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The older FX78 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.