Panasonic G5 vs Pentax K-3

Here is a thorough overview of the Panasonic G5 and Pentax K-3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the G5 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the G5 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The G5 was brought out 21 months prior to the K-3 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the G5 matches up vs the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 & Pentax K-3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic G5 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic G5 provides outer measurements of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G5 and Pentax K-3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the G5 versus the K-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the G5 and K-3 is 74 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out specs. The graphic here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the G5 and K-3.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The G5 due to its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-3 will show greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The older G5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.