Panasonic FS12 vs Pentax K-3

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-3, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FS12 was announced 6 years prior to the K-3 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FS12 grades against the K-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS12 enjoys outer measurements of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS12 and Pentax K-3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the FS12 compared to the K-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FS12 and K-3 is 95 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out specifications. The graphic here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FS12 and K-3.

To sum up, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS12 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 will provide extra detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FS12 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.