Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax K-500

Here is a in depth analysis of the Panasonic SZ3 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ3 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ3 was launched 10 months before the K-500 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ3 grades versus the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ3 offers external dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-500 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ3 versus Pentax K-500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ3 and the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ3 and K-500 is 96 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The visual here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and K-500.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The SZ3 has got the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF harder. The older SZ3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.