Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-5 II

The following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-5 II, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the K-5 II (16MP) is relatively similar but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZR3 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the K-5 II which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the ZR3 scores against the K-5 II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax K-5 II. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR3 features exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax K-5 II has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-5 II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the ZR3 vs the K-5 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and K-5 II is 94 and 60 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specs. The pic here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and K-5 II.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZR3 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-5 II will deliver extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged ZR3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.