Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax K-S2

The following is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic GH3 versus Pentax K-S2, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was manufactured 3 years prior to the K-S2 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the GH3 grades vs the K-S2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you should think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH3 provides outer dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has sizing of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GH3 versus Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the GH3 compared to the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GH3 and K-S2 is 66 and 64 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions simply by going through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GH3 and K-S2.

As you can see, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GH3 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-S2 will provide more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GH3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.