Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax K-1

On this page, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GH3 and Pentax K-1, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) have different sensor dimensions.

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The GH3 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the K-1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the GH3 scores against the K-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Pentax K-1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and size. The Panasonic GH3 provides outside dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") along with a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GH3 and Pentax K-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the GH3 compared to the K-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and K-1 is 66 and 55 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements purely by viewing specs. The visual here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH3 and K-1.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GH3 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax K-1 will result in greater detail having an extra 20MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots more aggressively. The older GH3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.