Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax RS1500

Below, we are matching up the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax RS1500, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the RS1500 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and RS1500 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The GF3 was launched 5 months later than the RS1500 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax RS1500 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the GF3 scores vs the RS1500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Pentax Optio RS1500. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Pentax RS1500 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF3 has got exterior dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax RS1500 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax RS1500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the GF3 compared to the RS1500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF3 and RS1500 is 90 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GF3 and RS1500.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF3 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Pentax RS1500 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively.