Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax E85

Following is a complete overview of the Panasonic GF3 versus Pentax E85, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the E85 (12MP) is very well matched but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was released 24 months after the E85 making them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF3 scores vs the E85 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Pentax Optio E85. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 has exterior measurements 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 E85 has measurements of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF3 versus Pentax E85 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the GF3 versus the E85.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and E85 is 90 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at technical specs. The picture here will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF3 and E85.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same resolution but different sensor sizes. The GF3 has got the larger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF simpler. The newer GF3 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.