Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-1

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic ZS40 and Pentax K-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) offer different sensor sizes.

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The ZS40 was revealed 3 years before the K-1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS40 scores against the K-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax K-1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS40 has external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-1 has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS40 and Pentax K-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS40 against the K-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS40 and K-1 is 90 and 55 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specifications. The pic below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and K-1.

To sum up, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS40 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-1 will offer you more detail because of its extra 18MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged ZS40 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.