Panasonic G3 vs Pentax K-S2

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Panasonic G3 and Pentax K-S2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the G3 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The G3 was revealed 4 years earlier than the K-S2 which is quite a serious gap as far as 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-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the G3 grades vs the K-S2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G3 comes with outside dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G3 and Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the G3 versus the K-S2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the G3 and K-S2 is 83 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by reading through specs. The pic here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the G3 and K-S2.

All in all, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The G3 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-S2 will give you extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged G3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.