Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-50

On this page, we will be contrasting the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-50, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is pretty similar but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The ZS40 was announced 2 months later than the K-50 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the ZS40 matches up against the K-50 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Pentax K-50. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 offers exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-50 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-50 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the ZS40 versus the K-50.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS40 and K-50 is 90 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS40 and K-50.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS40 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic ZS40 will offer more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively.