Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax KP

Here is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax KP, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and KP (24MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and KP (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZR3 was launched 8 years before the KP and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax KP being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ZR3 scores against the KP in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax KP. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax KP Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 features physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax KP has measurements of 132mm x 101mm x 76mm (5.2" x 4.0" x 3.0") with a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax KP in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the ZR3 vs the KP.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and KP is 94 and 61 respectively.

Oftentimes, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and KP.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax KP will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.