Panasonic L1 vs Pentax K-3 II

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic L1 and Pentax K-3 II, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and K-3 II (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was announced 9 years earlier than the K-3 II which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the L1 scores against the K-3 II when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Pentax K-3 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 offers exterior measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 II has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic L1 and Pentax K-3 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the L1 against the K-3 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the L1 and K-3 II is 65 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions just by looking at specifications. The image underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the L1 and K-3 II.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The L1 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax K-3 II will give you extra detail with its extra 17MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged L1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.