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02-17-2021, 03:21 PM   #1
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Lumix DSC ZS-50 Vs. Pentax K10 with 18-270 (or similar)?

I'm thinking of a small, compact, all in one camera setup to take on my motorcycle trips, with a large focal range. Giving serious thought to the ZS-50. I already own the K10, but not the super zoom lens. So, which setup would yield the best image quality?

The advantage to buying a super zoom lens is I could also use it on my K70.

Your thoughts???

---------- Post added 02-17-21 at 04:36 PM ----------

One more thing, is there a super zoom that has weather resistant capabilities?

---------- Post added 02-17-21 at 04:36 PM ----------

One more thing, is there a super zoom that has weather resistant capabilities?

02-17-2021, 04:14 PM   #2
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Hi, I cannot comment and respond directly, but I would like to share two relevant comments:
(a) I am not sure that the DA18-270mm would work on the K-10. The DA18-270mm has a supersonic AF motor, and I do not know if the K-10 can support it.
(b) A great lens is the older DA18-250mm which will work fine on the K-10. It is very sturdy although not WR. With care, it does wok in harsh situations as I experienced myself. I used my DA18-250mm with my K-7 in rainstorm, near the coast, on the beach .... I am always careful with 'pumpind' moisture or sans grains when I retract the zoom. TLC is required. Otherwise, the DA18-250mm is really great and it had a great reputation among all long zoom lenses across all brands and manufacturers.


I have both the DA18-270mm and DA18-250mm. Both are very close in IQ. i bought the DA18-270mm for the slightly longer reach and faster and quieter AF.


Hope that the comment may help.
02-17-2021, 04:31 PM   #3
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Yes, the DA 18-270mm will work with the K10D, if you have one of the latest firmware versions (I think anything over 1.10 will support SDM).

But it's quite a difference - between a K10D with a superzoom, compared to a small point and shoot with a tiny sensor... even if it has a 30x zoom lens.

Are those your only options?
02-17-2021, 04:38 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by 87Duckfan Quote
I'm thinking of a small, compact, all in one camera setup to take on my motorcycle trips, with a large focal range. Giving serious thought to the ZS-50. I already own the K10, but not the super zoom lens. So, which setup would yield the best image quality?

The advantage to buying a super zoom lens is I could also use it on my K70.

Your thoughts???

---------- Post added 02-17-21 at 04:36 PM ----------

One more thing, is there a super zoom that has weather resistant capabilities?

---------- Post added 02-17-21 at 04:36 PM ----------

One more thing, is there a super zoom that has weather resistant capabilities?
I assume this is a used ZS50 you're considering; how much are you willing to pay for it?

I believe the somewhat rare 18-300 Sigma is regarded as the best superzoom for Pentax.

Why are you considering a larger and older Pentax body for travel when seemingly you own a better alternative in the K-70?

02-17-2021, 04:53 PM   #5
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A totally non-scientific reply here. I have and use the ZS50 for work. I don't have the 18-250 but do have the 55-300 PLM for my KP. Both cameras you mention have lower pixel counts than my KP, and that will affect how much you can crop. I use the ZS50 to document exterior conditions on high rise buildings, and it works fine for that, but sometimes it's resolution lets me down and i have to return with my canon G1X superzoom and on occasion my 150-450 on my KP. Bigger sensor and glass diameter is better if you can carry it. That said i wouldn't trade the ZS50, because it is compact and light and always with me, and does what I need it to do 80% of the time. The low pixel count on the ZS50 (12MP) does make it usable for interior shots for work or lower light work than similar cameras with higher pixel counts.
02-17-2021, 05:30 PM   #6
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Mainly because I will be packing it in my motorcycle. If I do some off-roading, I would hate to take a spill and potentially damage the K70. Thus the thinking of taking the K10 with a super zoom lens, or a small compact P&S with a long focal range/reach.

I'm open to other P&S options. I can find the ZS50 for $100-$150 used. Do you have another suggestion for a good quality P&S, with long focal range, for $200 or less?



QuoteOriginally posted by tibbitts Quote
I assume this is a used ZS50 you're considering; how much are you willing to pay for it?

I believe the somewhat rare 18-300 Sigma is regarded as the best superzoom for Pentax.

Why are you considering a larger and older Pentax body for travel when seemingly you own a better alternative in the K-70?
02-18-2021, 01:46 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by 87Duckfan Quote
Mainly because I will be packing it in my motorcycle. If I do some off-roading, I would hate to take a spill and potentially damage the K70. Thus the thinking of taking the K10 with a super zoom lens, or a small compact P&S with a long focal range/reach.

I'm open to other P&S options. I can find the ZS50 for $100-$150 used. Do you have another suggestion for a good quality P&S, with long focal range, for $200 or less?
Lens Authority has a ZS100 used for 210 dollars. The range is shorter than the ZS50 (25-250mm equiv.) but the sensor is much, much bigger (1 inch) so the quality would be much better than that tiny sensor in the ZS50. And 250mm is really nothing to sneeze at.

02-18-2021, 04:28 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChristianRock Quote
Lens Authority has a ZS100 used for 210 dollars. The range is shorter than the ZS50 (25-250mm equiv.) but the sensor is much, much bigger (1 inch) so the quality would be much better than that tiny sensor in the ZS50. And 250mm is really nothing to sneeze at.
This is actually one of my other options I have been considering. There is currently one for sale in my area for $250, and it is about 5 years old. Do you think this is a good price? I'm thinking if I could get it for $200, that would be a good deal.
03-07-2021, 10:47 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChristianRock Quote
Lens Authority has a ZS100 used for 210 dollars. The range is shorter than the ZS50 (25-250mm equiv.) but the sensor is much, much bigger (1 inch) so the quality would be much better than that tiny sensor in the ZS50. And 250mm is really nothing to sneeze at.
I'm leaning towards a ZS100.

My question is this:

How would the image quality compare of a ZS100 Vs my K10 with a 18-250, or 18-300 super zoom lens?

Seems like I can pick up the lens for about the same price as the ZS100.
03-08-2021, 09:36 AM   #10
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Anyone have any thoughts on this?
03-08-2021, 04:14 PM   #11
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Image quality is relative.

I prefer the CCD sensor look and the large photosites of the K10D. The price to pay is larger size.

But the ZS100 will give you more megapixels, and image quality at ISO 800 is going to be better (newer technology). I do shoot my K10D with ISO up to 800 - even 1600 can be good if you expose right. But at those ISOs you have no room for post processing. With the ZS100 you probably have a little, and ISO 1600 would probably still be useable for small prints and viewing on a computer screen.
Also the camera basically fits in a pocket.
03-08-2021, 07:48 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChristianRock Quote
Image quality is relative.

I prefer the CCD sensor look and the large photosites of the K10D. The price to pay is larger size.

But the ZS100 will give you more megapixels, and image quality at ISO 800 is going to be better (newer technology). I do shoot my K10D with ISO up to 800 - even 1600 can be good if you expose right. But at those ISOs you have no room for post processing. With the ZS100 you probably have a little, and ISO 1600 would probably still be useable for small prints and viewing on a computer screen.
Also the camera basically fits in a pocket.
Thank you for the reply! I pulled the trigger on the ZS100. So far, I love it! This is just what I was looking for in terms of compactness (fits in a pocket), great IQ, and nice zoom range!
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