Panasonic FZ300 vs Pentax K-3 II

Here, we are evaluating the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax K-3 II, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ300 was launched 3 months later than the K-3 II and they are both of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FZ300 matches up against the K-3 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Pentax K-3 II. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ300 has got outer measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") along with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while 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).

Examine the Panasonic FZ300 and Pentax K-3 II in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the FZ300 against the K-3 II.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FZ300 and K-3 II is 59 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ300 and K-3 II.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FZ300 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-3 II will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images way more aggressively.