Panasonic S3 vs Pentax K-500

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic S3 vs Pentax K-500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively close but the S3 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The S3 was revealed 3 years prior to the K-500 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the S3 grades versus the K-500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Pentax K-500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S3 has got physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S3 vs Pentax K-500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the S3 vs the K-500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3 and K-500 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by viewing specifications. The pic underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the S3 and K-500.

Plainly, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The S3 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Pentax K-500 will render more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged S3 will be behind in sensor technology.