Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-3

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the GM1 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the GM1 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The GM1 was launched 3 months prior to the K-3 which means that they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the GM1 matches up versus the K-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 & Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GM1 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GM1 provides external dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 204 grams (0.45 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).

Compare the Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the GM1 and the K-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the GM1 and K-3 is 93 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specs. The picture here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GM1 and K-3.

All in all, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GM1 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively.