Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-3 II

Below, we will be contrasting the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-3 II, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The SZ3 was introduced 3 years prior to the K-3 II and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SZ3 grades versus the K-3 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax K-3 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ3 offers physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 II has specifications of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-3 II in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ3 and the K-3 II.

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

Often, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and K-3 II.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ3 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-3 II will resolve more detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SZ3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.