Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax K-3 II

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FP3 versus Pentax K-3 II, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the FP3 (14MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the FP3 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was revealed 6 years prior to the K-3 II which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FP3 matches up versus the K-3 II in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 & Pentax K-3 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP3 comes with physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 II has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP3 versus Pentax K-3 II in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the FP3 versus the K-3 II.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP3 and K-3 II is 95 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading through specifications. The picture here might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP3 and K-3 II.

To sum up, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FP3 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will give you extra detail because of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged FP3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.