Panasonic SZ8 vs Pentax K-3 II

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-3 II, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the SZ8 (16MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the SZ8 (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SZ8 was manufactured 15 months prior to the K-3 II making them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SZ8 grades against the K-3 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8 & Pentax K-3 II. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ8 Gallery & Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ8 comes with exterior measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 II has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Panasonic SZ8 and Pentax K-3 II in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SZ8 and the K-3 II.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SZ8 and K-3 II is 94 and 59 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The photograph here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ8 and K-3 II.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ8 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will render extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older SZ8 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.