Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax K-3 II

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic GH3 and Pentax K-3 II, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The GH3 was introduced 3 years before the K-3 II and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the GH3 grades against the K-3 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 & Pentax K-3 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH3 comes with exterior dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 II has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH3 and Pentax K-3 II in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the GH3 and the K-3 II.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GH3 and K-3 II is 66 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The graphic below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH3 and K-3 II.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GH3 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-3 II will give more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older GH3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.