Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

In this article, we are analyzing the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is very close but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-5 IIs (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ3 was announced 4 months before the K-5 IIs so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the SZ3 scores vs the K-5 IIs with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 offers outside dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ3 versus the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ3 and K-5 IIs is 96 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by researching technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and K-5 IIs.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The SZ3 has the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field trickier.