Panasonic G3 vs Pentax P80

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic G3 and Pentax P80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the G3 (16MP) and P80 (12MP) and the G3 (Four Thirds) and P80 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The G3 was introduced 24 months later than the P80 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P80 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the G3 grades versus the P80 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Pentax Optio P80. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G3 has physical measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") along with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G3 and Pentax P80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the G3 and the P80.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the G3 and P80 is 83 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the G3 and P80.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The G3 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic G3 will provide extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics way more aggressively. The newer G3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.