Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-5 II

Here is a extended review of the Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-5 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is very similar but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The FZ40 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the K-5 II and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FZ40 grades versus the K-5 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Pentax K-5 II. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ40 comes with outer dimensions 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 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ40 versus the K-5 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and K-5 II is 68 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over specifications. The photograph here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ40 and K-5 II.

Plainly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ40 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-5 II will deliver extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older FZ40 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.