Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax K-1

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax K-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS50 (12MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the ZS50 (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS50 was brought out 13 months before the K-1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the ZS50 scores against the K-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Pentax K-1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS50 has got exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax K-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS50 and the K-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS50 and K-1 is 90 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The photograph here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS50 and K-1.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS50 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-1 will deliver greater detail having its extra 24 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older ZS50 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.