Panasonic LZ40 vs Pentax K10D

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax K10D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and K10D (10MP) and the LZ40 (1/2.3") and K10D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The LZ40 was announced 7 years later than the K10D and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K10D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the LZ40 matches up vs the K10D in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 and Pentax K10D. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery and Pentax K10D Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ40 enjoys exterior dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") with a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) whilst the Pentax K10D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 793 grams (1.75 lbs).

See the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax K10D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the LZ40 versus the K10D.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the LZ40 and K10D is 67 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the LZ40 and K10D.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The LZ40 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic LZ40 will offer you extra detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent LZ40 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.