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Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3

Portability
68
Imaging
35
Features
45
Overall
39
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 front
 
Pentax K-3 front
Portability
59
Imaging
65
Features
85
Overall
73

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Key Specs

Panasonic FZ47
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F2.8-5.2) lens
  • 498g - 120 x 80 x 92mm
  • Announced July 2011
  • Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-FZ48
Pentax K-3
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
  • Announced April 2014
  • Successor is Pentax K-3 II
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Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Overview

Here is a complete comparison of the Panasonic FZ47 versus Pentax K-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the FZ47 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FZ47 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The FZ47 was revealed 3 years prior to the K-3 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the FZ47 grades versus the K-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic FZ47 over the Pentax K-3

 FZ47 K-3 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Panasonic FZ47

 K-3 FZ47 
AnnouncedApril 2014July 2011Fresher by 33 months
Screen size3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")
Screen resolution1037k460kCrisper screen (+577k dot)

Common features in the Panasonic FZ47 and Pentax K-3

 FZ47 K-3 
Focus manually Very accurate focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch screen Missing Touch screen

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Physical Comparison

For those who are aiming to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ47 features outside measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ47 versus Pentax K-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the FZ47 against the K-3.

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ47 and K-3 is 68 and 59 respectively.

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ47 and K-3.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ47 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will produce greater detail because of its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FZ47 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 sensor size comparison

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Panasonic FZ47
Portrait photography with Pentax K-3
38
you can focus manually
above average flash sync speed (1/2,000 seconds)
supports face detect autofocus
cannot use external flash
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW support
79
you can focus manually
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
includes face detection focus
delivers RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Panasonic FZ47 as a Street photography camera
Pentax K-3 as a Street photography camera
43
has image stabilization (Optical)
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW support
more heavy than competition in class (498 grams)
69
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
weather sealing
above average high ISO (51,200)
screen is fixed
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic FZ47 Sports photography information
Pentax K-3 Sports photography information
42
incredible zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports tracking focus
better than average battery pack (400 shots)
max fps very slow (4.0 frames per second)
sensor resolution not great (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus
76
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
includes tracking autofocus
weather sealing
supports phase detect auto focus
low battery life (560 shots)
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic FZ47 Travel photography details
Pentax K-3 Travel photography details
51
better than average battery pack (400 CIPA)
has built in flash
reasonably wide (25mm)
very long reach (600mm)
missing Timelapse function
more heavy than competition in class (498 grams)
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
does not contain selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
60
weather sealing
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
flash built-in
low battery life (560 per charge)
screen is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic FZ47 Landscape photography factors
Pentax K-3 Landscape photography factors
43
you can focus manually
reasonably wide (25mm)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
better than average battery pack (400 per charge)
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
sensor resolution not great (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no RAW support
missing Timelapse function
77
you can focus manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a decent size (3.2 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
no anti-alias filter
above average high ISO (51,200)
delivers RAW formats
weather sealing
two card slots
low battery life (560 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic FZ47 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-3 as a Vlogging camera
27
reasonably wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detect autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
does not contain selfie friendly screen
missing microphone port
more heavy than competition in class (498g)
34
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detection focus
great video quality (1920 x 1080 pixels)
comes with external mic socket
screen is not selfie friendly
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Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-3 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic FZ47 and Pentax K-3
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47Pentax K-3
General Information
Manufacturer Panasonic Pentax
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 Pentax K-3
Alternative name Lumix DMC-FZ48 -
Type Small Sensor Superzoom Advanced DSLR
Announced 2011-07-21 2014-04-10
Physical type SLR-like (bridge) Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Powered by Venus Engine FHD Prime III
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 24 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Max resolution 4000 x 3000 6016 x 4000
Max native ISO 1600 51200
Max enhanced ISO 6400 -
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 23 27
Cross type focus points - 25
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Pentax KAF2
Lens zoom range 25-600mm (24.0x) -
Max aperture f/2.8-5.2 -
Macro focusing range 1cm -
Number of lenses - 151
Crop factor 5.9 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inches 3.2 inches
Screen resolution 460 thousand dots 1,037 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology - TFT LCD monitor
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.64x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 60s 30s
Fastest shutter speed 1/2000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter rate 4.0fps 8.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 9.50 m 13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/2000s 1/180s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video format AVCHD MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 498g (1.10 lb) 800g (1.76 lb)
Physical dimensions 120 x 80 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 80
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.7
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.4
DXO Low light rating not tested 1216
Other
Battery life 400 images 560 images
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures)) Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots One Two
Launch price $379 $639