Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K-5 II

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax K-5 II, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and K-5 II (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was revealed 22 months earlier than the K-5 II making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the GF3 grades vs the K-5 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Pentax K-5 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF3 offers outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-5 II has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax K-5 II in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the GF3 compared to the K-5 II.

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

In many cases, it can be tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by going through specifications. The picture below should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF3 and K-5 II.

Plainly, both of those cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GF3 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-5 II will produce greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged GF3 will be behind in sensor technology.