Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-3

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The SZ3 was unveiled 15 months before the K-3 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SZ3 grades against the K-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax K-3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ3 comes with 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-3 has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ3 vs the K-3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and K-3 is 96 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specifications. The picture here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and K-3.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SZ3 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-3 will show greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged SZ3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.