Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax K-3 II

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax K-3 II, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the GM1 (16MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the GM1 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The GM1 was announced 16 months prior to the K-3 II making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the GM1 grades versus the K-3 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 & Pentax K-3 II. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GM1 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GM1 comes with outside dimensions of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 II has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GM1 versus Pentax K-3 II in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the GM1 versus the K-3 II.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GM1 and K-3 II is 93 and 59 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reading specs. The pic below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GM1 and K-3 II.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GM1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-3 II will offer you extra detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The more aged GM1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.