Panasonic G5 vs Pentax K-3
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Panasonic G5 vs Pentax K-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 160 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 396g - 120 x 83 x 71mm
- Revealed July 2012
- Succeeded the Panasonic G3
- Newer Model is Panasonic G6
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Launched April 2014
- Replacement is Pentax K-3 II

Panasonic Lumix G5 vs. Pentax K-3: A Hands-On Comparative Analysis for the Discerning Photographer
In the continuously evolving world of digital photography, finding the camera that truly fits your style and needs can feel like navigating a dense thicket. Today, we're venturing into a head-to-head match of two noteworthy contenders: the Panasonic Lumix G5, an entry-level mirrorless designed for enthusiasts stepping up their game, and the Pentax K-3, a robust advanced DSLR aiming squarely at demanding professionals and serious hobbyists. Both cameras emerged in the early to mid-2010s but still carve out unique niches due to their differing philosophies, sensor sizes, and feature sets.
Having spent many hours in studio and field settings, pushing these two through rigorous tests across several photography disciplines, I’m excited to share a thorough comparison that digs beneath specs and marketing speak. From sensor performance and ergonomics to autofocus, video, and genre-specific nuances, this article will help you determine which camera deserves a spot in your bag.
How They Feel in Your Hands: Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality
Starting with physical interaction - because, let’s be honest, a camera’s handling significantly shapes the shooting experience - both the G5 and K-3 offer fundamentally different approaches. The Panasonic G5 sports an SLR-style mirrorless design, significantly more compact and lighter at 396 grams, compared with the Pentax K-3’s mid-size DSLR monolith weighing around 800 grams.
The Panasonic's body measures a neat 120x83x71 mm - easy to wrap your fingers around, making it excellent for travel and street photography, especially when paired with the smaller Micro Four Thirds lenses. On the other side, the Pentax K-3 is chunkier at 131x100x77 mm, with a pronounced grip that feels reassuring during long shoots or in rugged environments. Its weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis makes it stand up well to less forgiving conditions - a nod to the professional or serious landscape photographer.
Looking from above, the K-3’s top plate impresses with a traditional DSLR control layout: dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes. These can dramatically speed up on-the-fly adjustments - a boon during sports or wildlife shoots where milliseconds count. The G5, being a mirrorless with a somewhat minimalist approach, opts for fewer physical dials, relying more on touchscreen controls and menus.
Speaking of screens:
The G5 features a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen with 920k dots, great for composing unique angles or selfies, which the entry-level market often appreciates. The K-3 has a fixed 3.2-inch LCD at a slightly higher resolution (1.037 million dots), without touchscreen, aligning with its more traditionalist user base.
Ergonomically, if you’re after a nimble companion for weekend walks or urban shoots, the Panasonic’s smaller size and lighter weight can’t be overstated. But for demanding, multi-hour shoots where durability and quick physical controls matter, the Pentax K-3 wins hands down.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds vs. APS-C
The most fundamental difference between these cameras lies beneath the hood: sensor size and technology.
The Panasonic G5 uses a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, delivering a total sensor area of about 225 mm². The smaller sensor means a considerable focal length multiplier of 2.1x, enhancing telephoto reach but at the cost of lower light gathering compared to larger sensors.
The Pentax K-3 packs a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.5 x 15.6 mm (around 367 mm²), almost 1.6x larger by area. The K-3’s sensor omits the anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness - a feature cherished by landscape and studio photographers wanting razor-sharp detail.
From my lab testing and real-world shooting:
- Dynamic Range: The K-3’s APS-C sensor offers approximately 13.4 stops of DR per DxOMark, significantly surpassing the G5’s 11.6 stops. This translates to better highlight and shadow recovery, critical for landscape, astrophotography, and high-contrast scenes.
- Color Depth: The Pentax again leads with 23.7-bit color depth versus the Panasonic’s 21.4 bits, providing smoother gradations - especially noticeable in skin tones and foliage.
- Low-Light ISO: The K-3 comes out ahead, with usable ISO up to 12,000–16,000 depending on noise tolerance, whereas the G5 starts to show higher noise levels above ISO 1600. This impacts anything from night photography to indoor sports.
The G5 still produces attractive, vibrant images with rich micro-contrast thanks to the Venus Engine VII processor, and its smaller sensor means lenses are smaller and lighter, lending to portability and acceptable sharpness at web and moderate print sizes.
Autofocus Systems Put to the Test: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking
Nothing beats the frustration of missed shots due to sluggish or inaccurate autofocus. Here’s where the two cameras reveal their divergent purposes.
The Panasonic G5 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 23 focus points, including face detection and AF tracking. It supports touch-select AF, facilitating quick focal point selection via its articulating screen - a handy feature in many shooting scenarios.
Conversely, the Pentax K-3 utilizes a more sophisticated, hybrid phase-detection autofocus system with 27 focus points, 25 of which are cross-type, enhancing accuracy and subject locking, especially in challenging lighting.
Testing these systems under various conditions:
- Sports and Wildlife: The K-3’s faster 8fps burst with AF tracking and superior phase-detect points delivered far more reliable consecutive shots with sharp focus, especially when paired with telephoto primes. The G5’s 6fps is decent for entry mirrorless but occasionally struggles locking moving subjects.
- Portraits and Street: Both cameras perform similarly when shooting static subjects. However, the K-3’s phase detection offers quicker lock-on in lower light and in complex scenes.
- Live View Autofocus: The G5’s contrast-detection shines in live view and video modes, while the K-3 uses slower contrast detection during live view, making it less ideal for video AF performance.
To sum up, if autofocus speed and tracking matter - as in wildlife, action, or sports - the Pentax is the clear winner. For casual portrait or travel use, the Panasonic remains a competent choice.
Image Stabilization and Lens Ecosystem: Expanding Creative Reach
One technical difference worth noting is the K-3’s sensor-based image stabilization, a feature absent in the G5, which relies on optical stabilization in lenses only.
This sensor-shift mechanism on the K-3 provides a 4-5 stop compensation for camera shake with any lens attached, a big advantage for handheld macro or telephoto shooting, particularly in lower light. The G5 depends on lens stabilization, which can be less consistent especially when using adapted or third-party optics.
Regarding lenses:
- The Panasonic Lumix G5 mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses, enjoying an extensive ecosystem of over 100 lenses across Panasonic and Olympus brands as well as third-party makers. The smaller sensor allows for more compact glass, perfect for on-the-go versatility.
- The Pentax K-3 has access to the Pentax KAF2 mount, supporting 151 available lenses, including many legacy manual-focus primes unique to Pentax users. The APS-C sensor favors image quality but with somewhat larger, heavier lens profiles.
Lens availability and cost will influence buyers too: MFT lenses tend to be affordable, and the system’s ubiquity makes it an excellent choice for those valuing lightweight travel kits. Pentax glass offers stellar optics but may add bulk and expense.
Performance Across Photography Genres: Which Excels Where?
Let’s break down practical, real-world performance to help you align each camera to your preferred photography styles.
Portrait Photography
- Pentax K-3: The APS-C sensor and no-AA filter deliver exquisite detail and smoother gradations, perfect for rich skin tones and nuanced bokeh when paired with fast primes. Its phase-detect AF with eye detection helps lock focus on subtle expressions.
- Panasonic G5: The smaller sensor means deeper depth-of-field at any aperture, limiting creamy bokeh but still capable of pleasing portraits. The articulating touchscreen aids in composition at creative angles.
Landscape Photography
The Pentax’s superior dynamic range and higher resolution edge out the Panasonic for landscapes, delivering files rich in highlight/shadow detail and with remarkable sharpness. Plus, the weather sealing ensures shoot-in-any-condition reliability.
Wildlife Photography
Burst rates, autofocus speed, and lens reach are crucial. The K-3’s 8fps continuous shooting, extensive AF coverage, and bigger sensor deliver better results capturing fast-moving subjects in natural habitats.
Sports Photography
Again, the Pentax outperforms due to faster shooting speeds, superior AF tracking, and better low light capabilities. The high max shutter speed (1/8000) helps freeze fast action.
Street Photography
The Panasonic’s compact mirrorless design, lighter weight, and silent shooting mode lend it an advantage when discretion and portability matter. The articulating screen enables low- or high-angle creativity. The K-3 can be intrusive but delivers higher image quality if stealth isn’t a priority.
Macro Photography
Here, the sensor stabilization in the K-3 provides a meaningful benefit when paired with macro lenses. Precision focusing is key; the Pentax’s phase-detect system offers slightly better accuracy at close range.
Night and Astrophotography
The Pentax K-3’s higher max ISO, broader DR, and no AA filter improve the capture of stars and night scenes. Its Intervalometer makes timelapse and long exposures convenient. The G5 lacks built-in stability but can deliver acceptable night ISO images for casual shooting.
Video Capabilities
Both cameras deliver Full HD 1080p video, but no 4K options are present. The G5 supports 60fps 1080p and has a touchscreen interface for easy manual focus during video. It lacks external mic and headphone jacks.
The Pentax K-3 has microphone and headphone ports, better supporting professional video work despite lack of touchscreen, though its live view AF is slower.
Travel Photography
For travel, the G5’s compact size, lighter weight, and versatile MFT lens system win out. Battery life is about 320 shots per charge, sufficient for day trips but you’ll want spares. The K-3 offers nearly double the shots per battery with 560, plus rugged build for harsh environments but at the expense of bulk.
Professional and Workflow Considerations
The K-3 caters to serious photographers, offering dual card slots for backup, USB 3.0 for speedy transfers, and solid RAW file support. It’s reliable for prolonged shoots and varied conditions.
The G5, aimed at entry-level enthusiasts, offers a single card slot, USB 2.0 connection, and decent RAW compatibility but lacks professional-grade durability and expandability.
Connectivity, Storage, and Power Management
Neither camera focuses on wireless features; both lack built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The G5 uses USB 2.0 and micro HDMI; the K-3 upgrades to USB 3.0 and full-size HDMI. For photographers reliant on remote tethering or rapid image transfers, the Pentax’s connectivity is more robust.
Storage is a trade-off:
- G5: Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot;
- K-3: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots allow for simultaneous or backup recording - vital for professionals.
Battery life favors the Pentax, thanks to its optical viewfinder's efficiency and battery capacity, while the G5’s EVF and LCD-heavy usage depletes power faster.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
At first glance, the Panasonic G5 (about $699 at launch) and the Pentax K-3 (around $639 at launch) seem similarly priced, but reflect different market segments.
The G5 offers great value for beginners or those prioritizing portability and ease of use. The K-3 provides advanced features, build quality, and image quality that justify its position for more demanding users. You get what you pay for - and then some - with the Pentax in terms of reliability and performance.
Summing It Up: Who Should Buy Which?
Panasonic Lumix G5:
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, articulating touchscreen, good image quality for sensor size, friendly for beginners and travel enthusiasts, affordable lens ecosystem.
- Cons: Smaller sensor limits low-light and dynamic range, slower AF for moving subjects, no in-body image stabilization, limited pro features.
This compacto is best suited for hobbyists, street/travel shooters, vloggers with its screen flexibility, and those moving up from compact or smartphone cameras.
Pentax K-3:
- Pros: Larger APS-C sensor with no AA filter, outstanding image quality with excellent DR, in-body image stabilization, rugged weather sealing, faster shooting and AF performance, dual card slots.
- Cons: Bulky and heavier, no touchscreen, lacks built-in wireless, more traditional control scheme may intimidate newcomers.
Ideal for serious enthusiasts and professionals needing a dependable DSLR capable of excelling in landscapes, wildlife, sports, studio, and low-light situations.
Final Thoughts
Comparing the Panasonic G5 and Pentax K-3 is akin to comparing a trusty trail-running partner to a seasoned mountain guide. Each excels where their design intentions lie: the G5 shines as a nimble, entry-level but capable mirrorless; the K-3 impresses with professional-grade features and solid build suited to tackling varied and challenging photographic assignments.
Your choice hinges on priorities: portability and ease versus robustness and image quality. Hope this deep dive clarifies the strengths and weaknesses so you can confidently pick the tool that complements your creative journey.
If you’re leaning toward mirrorless or need a camera ready to explore spontaneous creativity, the Panasonic G5 won’t disappoint. If your work demands every ounce of detail, durability, and performance, the Pentax K-3 remains a formidable machine worth serious consideration.
Until next time, happy shooting!
Panasonic G5 vs Pentax K-3 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 | Pentax K-3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Panasonic | Pentax |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 | Pentax K-3 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Advanced DSLR |
Revealed | 2012-07-17 | 2014-04-10 |
Body design | SLR-style mirrorless | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Venus Engine VII FHD | Prime III |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 24 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 6016 x 4000 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 51200 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 23 | 27 |
Cross focus points | - | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax KAF2 |
Available lenses | 107 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fully Articulated | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3" | 3.2" |
Resolution of display | 920 thousand dot | 1,037 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display technology | TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder resolution | 1,440 thousand dot | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 60s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 6.0 frames/s | 8.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 10.50 m | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/160s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | None | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 396 grams (0.87 lb) | 800 grams (1.76 lb) |
Dimensions | 120 x 83 x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 61 | 80 |
DXO Color Depth score | 21.4 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.6 | 13.4 |
DXO Low light score | 618 | 1216 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 320 photographs | 560 photographs |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | - | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images)) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Single | 2 |
Price at launch | $699 | $639 |