Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax K-5

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax K-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the ZS50 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the ZS50 (1/2.3") and K-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS50 was manufactured 4 years later than the K-5 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the ZS50 scores vs the K-5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Pentax K-5. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS50 features outer dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax K-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the ZS50 vs the K-5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS50 and K-5 is 90 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing only by reviewing technical specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS50 and K-5.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS50 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-5 will offer greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The newer ZS50 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.