Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax ist DL2

Let's look closer at the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax ist DL2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZR3 was manufactured 4 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the ZR3 grades against the ist DL2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Pentax ist DL2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 comes with exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZR3 and Pentax ist DL2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the ZR3 vs the ist DL2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and ist DL2 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR3 and ist DL2.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic ZR3 will give you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern ZR3 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.