Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-5

Below is a thorough review of the Panasonic FZ40 versus Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the K-5 (16MP) is fairly close but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The FZ40 was revealed 5 months earlier than the K-5 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FZ40 grades versus the K-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Pentax K-5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys outer measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ40 versus Pentax K-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FZ40 compared to the K-5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and K-5 is 68 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing specifications. The photograph underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ40 and K-5.

Plainly, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively.