Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax K-3

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic GH3 versus Pentax K-3, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The GH3 was announced 19 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 GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a concise summation of how the GH3 matches up versus the K-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 & Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH3 features physical measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GH3 versus Pentax K-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the GH3 against the K-3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GH3 and K-3 is 66 and 59 respectively.

Often, it's hard to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The photograph below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH3 and K-3.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH3 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Pentax K-3 will result in extra detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older GH3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.