Panasonic G3 vs Pentax W90

Here, we will be contrasting the Panasonic G3 and Pentax W90, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the G3 (16MP) and W90 (12MP) and the G3 (Four Thirds) and W90 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The G3 was launched 17 months later than the W90 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax W90 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the G3 matches up vs the W90 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Pentax Optio W90. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic G3 Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G3 has physical measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Pentax W90 has measurements of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Panasonic G3 and Pentax W90 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the G3 compared to the W90.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G3 and W90 is 83 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the G3 and W90.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The G3 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic G3 will show more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher G3 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.