Panasonic LZ40 vs Pentax K-500

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic LZ40 versus Pentax K-500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and K-500 (16MP) and the LZ40 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

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The LZ40 was revealed 2 months later than the K-500 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the LZ40 grades versus the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 & Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery & Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ40 provides outer dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) while the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic LZ40 versus Pentax K-500 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the LZ40 against the K-500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the LZ40 and K-500 is 67 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements merely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the LZ40 and K-500.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LZ40 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic LZ40 will resolve more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively.