Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-30

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax K-30, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is very comparable but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ZR3 was launched 3 years prior to the K-30 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZR3 matches up versus the K-30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR3 has external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-30 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax K-30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the ZR3 against the K-30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and K-30 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and K-30.

As you can tell, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZR3 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-30 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged ZR3 will be behind in sensor tech.