Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K-50

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K-50, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the GF2 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the GF2 (Four Thirds) and K-50 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GF2 was introduced 3 years earlier than the K-50 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the GF2 scores vs the K-50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 & Pentax K-50. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF2 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF2 offers exterior measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax K-50 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the GF2 versus the K-50.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the GF2 and K-50 is 88 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by checking out technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the GF2 and K-50.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF2 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-50 will show extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older GF2 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.