Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax K-50

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax K-50, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the FZ200 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the FZ200 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was revealed 16 months earlier than the K-50 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FZ200 grades against the K-50 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 and Pentax K-50. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ200 enjoys external measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) and the Pentax K-50 has measurements 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 the Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax K-50 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ200 compared to the K-50.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FZ200 and K-50 is 65 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by viewing a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ200 and K-50.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ200 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-50 will result in more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The older FZ200 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.