Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-3 II

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-3 II, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ5 was introduced 3 years earlier than the K-3 II and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SZ5 grades against the K-3 II in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Pentax K-3 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ5 features outer measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 II has sizing of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax K-3 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SZ5 versus the K-3 II.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ5 and K-3 II is 95 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ5 and K-3 II.

Clearly, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SZ5 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will show extra detail using its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The older SZ5 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.