Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax K-3

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax K-3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the FZ70 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the FZ70 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FZ70 was brought out 8 months earlier than the K-3 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the FZ70 matches up against the K-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and Pentax K-3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ70 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ70 offers physical dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ70 vs Pentax K-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the FZ70 versus the K-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FZ70 and K-3 is 63 and 59 respectively.

Usually, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking a spec sheet. The picture below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ70 and K-3.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ70 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will resolve more detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged FZ70 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.