Panasonic SZ7 vs Pentax K-3

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic SZ7 versus Pentax K-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the SZ7 (14MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the SZ7 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The SZ7 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the K-3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SZ7 matches up against the K-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 and Pentax K-3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ7 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ7 comes with outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has proportions 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 SZ7 versus Pentax K-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ7 compared to the K-3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ7 and K-3 is 95 and 59 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ7 and K-3.

As you can tell, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SZ7 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 will provide extra detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older SZ7 will be behind in sensor technology.