Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax K-3

Below is a extended assessment of the Panasonic GF5 and Pentax K-3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF5 was released 24 months prior to the K-3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF5 matches up vs the K-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic GF5 features outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF5 and Pentax K-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the GF5 vs the K-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the GF5 and K-3 is 89 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the GF5 and K-3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF5 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax K-3 will give greater detail as a result of its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older GF5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.