Panasonic G3 vs Pentax W60

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic G3 vs Pentax W60, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the G3 (16MP) and W60 (10MP) and the G3 (Four Thirds) and W60 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The G3 was revealed 2 years after the W60 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax W60 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the G3 scores against the W60 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Pentax Optio W60. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Pentax W60 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G3 provides outside dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Pentax W60 has proportions of 98mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G3 vs Pentax W60 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the G3 versus the W60.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the G3 and W60 is 83 and 94 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizes only by looking at specs. The image underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the G3 and W60.

All in all, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The G3 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic G3 will give you more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The younger G3 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.