Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K-30

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax K-30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and K-30 (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was announced 14 months before the K-30 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the GF3 matches up against the K-30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Pentax K-30. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and size. The Panasonic GF3 offers external dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax K-30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the GF3 versus the K-30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and K-30 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing just by researching specs. The graphic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and K-30.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GF3 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-30 will provide you with more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older GF3 will be behind in sensor tech.