Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax K200D

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax K200D, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the K200D (10MP) is pretty similar but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and K200D (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF3 was revealed 2 years later than the K200D and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K200D being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the GF3 grades against the K200D with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Pentax K200D. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Pentax K200D Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF3 enjoys outside dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K200D has dimensions of 134mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.3" x 3.7" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 690 grams (1.52 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax K200D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the GF3 and the K200D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF3 and K200D is 90 and 61 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The graphic below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and K200D.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GF3 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic GF3 will deliver extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer GF3 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.