Panasonic FZ100 vs Pentax K-3

Here, we are analyzing the Panasonic FZ100 and Pentax K-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the FZ100 (14MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FZ100 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was announced 4 years earlier than the K-3 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the FZ100 matches up vs the K-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 & Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ100 has got outer measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ100 and Pentax K-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ100 and the K-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FZ100 and K-3 is 67 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by going over technical specs. The picture here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ100 and K-3.

As you can tell, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ100 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will deliver more detail with its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged FZ100 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.