Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K-5 IIs, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and K-5 IIs (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and K-5 IIs (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

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

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the GF3 grades vs the K-5 IIs with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Pentax K-5 IIs. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF3 features 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 IIs has proportions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K-5 IIs in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the GF3 and the K-5 IIs.

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

Usually, its difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The picture here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and K-5 IIs.

As you can tell, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GF3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-5 IIs will produce extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged GF3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.