Nikon L21 vs Pentax K-3

Lets look more closely at the Nikon L21 and Pentax K-3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Nikon and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the L21 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The L21 was launched 5 years earlier than the K-3 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Nikon L21 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the L21 matches up versus the K-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix L21 & Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon L21 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Nikon L21 provides exterior dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check out the Nikon L21 and Pentax K-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the L21 against the K-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the L21 and K-3 is 93 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions simply by checking technical specs. The pic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L21 and K-3.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The L21 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-3 will give more detail utilizing its extra 16MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos more aggressively. The more aged L21 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.