Panasonic S3 vs Pentax Efina

Following is a extensive review of the Panasonic S3 and Pentax Efina, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the Efina (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The S3 was launched 3 years before the Efina which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Efina being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the S3 matches up against the Efina in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 & Pentax Efina. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic S3 Gallery & Pentax Efina Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S3 enjoys outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Pentax Efina has measurements of 87mm x 54mm x 21mm (3.4" x 2.1" x 0.8") with a weight of 91 grams (0.20 lbs).

See the Panasonic S3 and Pentax Efina in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the S3 vs the Efina.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3 and Efina is 96 and 97 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading specs. The image here should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S3 and Efina.

All in all, both of those cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same resolution therefore you can expect similar quality of images though you may want to take the age of the products into consideration. The more aged S3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.