Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-3 II

Lets look more in depth at the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-3 II, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was unveiled 6 years before the K-3 II and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the GF1 matches up against the K-3 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Pentax K-3 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF1 offers physical measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 II has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax K-3 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the GF1 compared to the K-3 II.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF1 and K-3 II is 85 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by checking out specifications. The photograph below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF1 and K-3 II.

To sum up, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-3 II will show extra detail having an extra 12MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older GF1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.