Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax K-3

Lets look closer at the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax K-3, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the ZS100 (20MP) and the K-3 (24MP) is relatively similar but the ZS100 (1") and K-3 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The ZS100 was manufactured 22 months after the K-3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZS100 scores against the K-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Pentax K-3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS100 has got outer measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has proportions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax K-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the ZS100 compared to the K-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS100 and K-3 is 87 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The image below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS100 and K-3.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZS100 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-3 will deliver extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger ZS100 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.