Panasonic TS1 vs Pentax K-3

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic TS1 vs Pentax K-3, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the TS1 (12MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the TS1 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The TS1 was announced 6 years prior to the K-3 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic TS1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the TS1 matches up vs the K-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 & Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic TS1 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic TS1 comes with exterior dimensions of 98mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9") and a weight of 189 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Panasonic TS1 vs Pentax K-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the TS1 and the K-3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the TS1 and K-3 is 93 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The graphic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TS1 and K-3.

As you can tell, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TS1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax K-3 will resolve more detail with its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos more aggressively. The older TS1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.