Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax K-r

Below is a thorough overview of the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax K-r, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the K-r (12MP) is very well matched but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZR3 was introduced 13 months earlier than the K-r making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZR3 matches up vs the K-r with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 features outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-r has measurements of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax K-r in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the ZR3 vs the K-r.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZR3 and K-r is 94 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR3 and K-r.

Clearly, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZR3 will give you more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.