Panasonic G3 vs Pentax K-50

In this article, we are looking at the Panasonic G3 and Pentax K-50, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is fairly close but the G3 (Four Thirds) and K-50 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The G3 was brought out 3 years prior to the K-50 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the G3 grades vs the K-50 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 & Pentax K-50. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G3 comes with external dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G3 and Pentax K-50 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the G3 against the K-50.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the G3 and K-50 is 83 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching specifications. The graphic below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the G3 and K-50.

To sum up, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but different sensor measurements. The G3 has the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher. The older G3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.