Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax K-3 II

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic GH2 versus Pentax K-3 II, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the GH2 (16MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the GH2 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GH2 was announced 5 years before the K-3 II and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the GH2 matches up against the K-3 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Pentax K-3 II. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH2 has got outer measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 II has proportions 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 GH2 versus Pentax K-3 II in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the GH2 vs the K-3 II.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and K-3 II is 70 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the GH2 and K-3 II.

As you can see, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GH2 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-3 II will provide you with extra detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The older GH2 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.