Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-50

Here is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-50, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZS8 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS8 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The ZS8 was unveiled 3 years prior to the K-50 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the ZS8 grades against the K-50 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Pentax K-50. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS8 has external measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax K-50 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax K-50 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS8 and the K-50.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and K-50 is 92 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The graphic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS8 and K-50.

To sum up, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS8 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-50 will give extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older ZS8 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.