Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-50

Following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-50, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is very close but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

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The FZ80 was revealed 3 years after the K-50 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FZ80 scores against the K-50 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 & Pentax K-50. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ80 has got external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") having a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ80 vs Pentax K-50 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FZ80 vs the K-50.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FZ80 and K-50 is 63 and 63 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The pic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ80 and K-50.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ80 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic FZ80 will render extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger FZ80 should have an advantage in sensor technology.