Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one is 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 IIs (16MP) is very well matched but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The FZ40 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the K-5 IIs which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FZ40 grades versus the K-5 IIs in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys outside dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the FZ40 against the K-5 IIs.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ40 and K-5 IIs is 68 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at technical specs. The picture below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ40 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FZ40 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-5 IIs will resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.