Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-50

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K-50, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is very similar but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the K-50 and that is quite a big difference 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-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the FZ40 matches up vs the K-50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Pentax K-50. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ40 provides outside dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FZ40 and Pentax K-50 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ40 vs the K-50.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and K-50 is 68 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and K-50.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FZ40 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-50 will offer more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older FZ40 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.