Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax K20D

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic GH3 and Pentax K20D, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the K20D (15MP) is pretty well matched but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and K20D (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was launched 4 years later than the K20D and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K20D being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the GH3 scores against the K20D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Pentax K20D. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Pentax K20D Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH3 has got physical 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) and the Pentax K20D has measurements of 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH3 and Pentax K20D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the GH3 against the K20D.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and K20D is 66 and 59 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The photograph underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH3 and K20D.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GH3 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GH3 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger GH3 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.