Panasonic FZ150 vs Pentax K-500

Below is a extended assessment of the Panasonic FZ150 and Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the FZ150 (12MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the FZ150 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ150 was brought out 19 months earlier than the K-500 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the FZ150 matches up vs the K-500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ150 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ150 has got external dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ150 and Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FZ150 compared to the K-500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ150 and K-500 is 67 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over specifications. The photograph underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ150 and K-500.

To sum up, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ150 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-500 will deliver greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots more aggressively. The older FZ150 is going to be behind in sensor tech.