Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax K-3 II

The following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic ZS100 versus Pentax K-3 II, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS100 (20MP) and the K-3 II (24MP) is relatively close but the ZS100 (1") and K-3 II (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS100 was announced 9 months after the K-3 II and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the ZS100 matches up vs the K-3 II when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS100 features physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 II has sizing of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS100 versus Pentax K-3 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS100 vs the K-3 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS100 and K-3 II is 87 and 59 respectively.

Normally, its tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions purely by looking through technical specs. The picture here will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS100 and K-3 II.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will render extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The more modern ZS100 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.