Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-3

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax K-3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ300 was unveiled 16 months after the K-3 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the FZ300 grades against the K-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Pentax K-3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ300 has outer dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") along with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax K-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the FZ300 and the K-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ300 and K-3 is 59 and 59 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at specifications. The picture underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ300 and K-3.

To sum up, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ300 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-3 will resolve extra detail having an extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern FZ300 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.