Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax K-500

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS40 versus Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was unveiled 2 months after the K-500 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the ZS40 grades against the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 has exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS40 versus Pentax K-500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS40 versus the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and K-500 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The picture here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and K-500.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS40 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS40 will give you greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively.