Panasonic S3 vs Pentax K-01

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic S3 and Pentax K-01, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is pretty close but the S3 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S3 was introduced 17 months earlier than the K-01 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the S3 matches up against the K-01 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 & Pentax K-01. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic S3 Gallery & Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S3 features exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax K-01 has proportions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") having a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S3 and Pentax K-01 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the S3 against the K-01.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3 and K-01 is 96 and 76 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the S3 and K-01.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S3 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-01 will provide you with more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged S3 will be behind in sensor tech.