Panasonic GX8 vs Pentax K-3

Below is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic GX8 versus Pentax K-3, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GX8 (20MP) and the K-3 (24MP) is fairly well matched but the GX8 (Four Thirds) and K-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The GX8 was revealed 16 months later than the K-3 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the GX8 grades against the K-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and Pentax K-3. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GX8 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GX8 has got outside dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic GX8 versus Pentax K-3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the GX8 compared to the K-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and K-3 is 74 and 59 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GX8 and K-3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GX8 having a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-3 will give greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent GX8 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.