Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax K-50

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic ZS1 versus Pentax K-50, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and K-50 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS1 was released 5 years earlier than the K-50 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the ZS1 scores versus the K-50 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Pentax K-50. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS1 comes with physical dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K-50 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS1 versus Pentax K-50 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS1 versus the K-50.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS1 and K-50 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS1 and K-50.

Clearly, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS1 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-50 will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older ZS1 will be behind in sensor innovation.