Panasonic G3 vs Pentax K20D

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic G3 and Pentax K20D, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the G3 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is relatively comparable but the G3 (Four Thirds) and K20D (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The G3 was announced 3 years later than the K20D and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the G3 scores versus the K20D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Pentax K20D. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G3 comes with outside dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") having a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax K20D has proportions of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G3 and Pentax K20D in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the G3 compared to the K20D.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the G3 and K20D is 83 and 59 respectively.

Often, its tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the G3 and K20D.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G3 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic G3 will produce more detail with its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger G3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.