Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-500

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax K-500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is very well matched but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The ZR3 was released 4 years earlier than the K-500 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the ZR3 matches up versus the K-500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax K-500. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR3 enjoys exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax K-500 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax K-500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the ZR3 vs the K-500.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR3 and K-500 is 94 and 64 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The photograph underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR3 and K-500.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Pentax K-500 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics far more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.