Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax K-50

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax K-50, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is relatively close but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The ZS20 was launched 19 months earlier than the K-50 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the ZS20 scores vs the K-50 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Pentax K-50. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS20 offers external measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax K-50 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax K-50 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS20 compared to the K-50.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and K-50 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by researching specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS20 and K-50.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS20 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-50 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older ZS20 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.