Panasonic ZS15 vs Pentax K-50

Here is a complete assessment of the Panasonic ZS15 and 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 sizable difference among the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The ZS15 was revealed 17 months earlier than the K-50 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the ZS15 grades against the K-50 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Pentax K-50. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS15 has got outside measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax K-50 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS15 and Pentax K-50 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS15 compared to the K-50.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and K-50 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The photograph below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS15 and K-50.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS15 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-50 will show greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The older ZS15 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.