Panasonic SZ1 vs Pentax K-3

Below is a complete overview of the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the SZ1 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the SZ1 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

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The SZ1 was released 3 years earlier than the K-3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SZ1 matches up against the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1 and Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ1 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ1 offers outer measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ1 and Pentax K-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ1 and the K-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ1 and K-3 is 95 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ1 and K-3.

As you can see, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-3 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older SZ1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.