Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-3

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-3, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the S1 (24MP) and the K-3 (24MP) is relatively comparable but the S1 (Full frame) and K-3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The S1 was announced 4 years after the K-3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the S1 matches up against the K-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 and Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S1 enjoys outer measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") accompanied by a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic S1 vs Pentax K-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the S1 against the K-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and K-3 is 54 and 59 respectively.

Often, it is tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions merely by checking out a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S1 and K-3.

As you can see, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The S1 has got the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler. The more recent S1 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.