Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-01

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-01, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K-01 (16MP) is fairly close but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-01 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The SZ3 was revealed 8 months later than the K-01 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the SZ3 grades versus the K-01 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax K-01. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax K-01 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 has got external dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-01 has dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") along with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-01 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ3 against the K-01.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and K-01 is 96 and 76 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by researching technical specs. The photograph here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and K-01.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature the identical megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The SZ3 features the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF trickier. The more recent SZ3 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.