Panasonic S2 vs Pentax K-50

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic S2 versus Pentax K-50, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the S2 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the S2 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S2 was revealed 22 months before the K-50 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick overview of how the S2 grades vs the K-50 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 & Pentax K-50. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic S2 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic S2 enjoys external dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S2 versus Pentax K-50 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the S2 and the K-50.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the S2 and K-50 is 96 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at specifications. The photograph below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the S2 and K-50.

Plainly, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S2 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-50 will resolve more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older S2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.