Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-50

Here is a extended review of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is very close but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZR3 was announced 4 years earlier than the K-50 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZR3 grades against the K-50 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax K-50. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR3 comes with physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-50 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the ZR3 versus the K-50.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZR3 and K-50 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing merely by viewing specifications. The photograph below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and K-50.

Plainly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax K-50 will render extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The older ZR3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.