Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax K-3

Here is a extended analysis of the Panasonic FH20 and Pentax K-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the FH20 (14MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FH20 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The FH20 was introduced 5 years before the K-3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the FH20 scores against the K-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FH20 has got external dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH20 and Pentax K-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH20 and the K-3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FH20 and K-3 is 93 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The photograph below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH20 and K-3.

All in all, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH20 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-3 will render extra detail using its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older FH20 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.