Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K-5

Below is a in depth overview of the Panasonic GF3 versus Pentax K-5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and K-5 (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and K-5 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF3 was launched 8 months later than the K-5 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the GF3 grades against the K-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Pentax K-5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Pentax K-5 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF3 offers exterior dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF3 versus Pentax K-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the GF3 versus the K-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF3 and K-5 is 90 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and K-5.

Clearly, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF3 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-5 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent GF3 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.