Panasonic FS15 vs Pentax K-3

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FS15 versus Pentax K-3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the FS15 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FS15 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS15 was revealed 6 years prior to the K-3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a brief view of how the FS15 grades versus the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Pentax K-3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS15 provides physical dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS15 versus Pentax K-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the FS15 versus the K-3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FS15 and K-3 is 95 and 59 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by viewing technical specs. The photograph below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS15 and K-3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS15 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will result in more detail because of its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The older FS15 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.