Panasonic FZ40 vs Pentax K-500

In this article, we will be analyzing the Panasonic FZ40 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty close but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The FZ40 was released 4 years earlier than the K-500 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the FZ40 scores versus the K-500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 offers external dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ40 versus Pentax K-500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ40 against the K-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ40 and K-500 is 68 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specs. The graphic below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ40 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Pentax K-500 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The older FZ40 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.