Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-3

Here is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic ZS3 versus Pentax K-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The ZS3 was introduced 5 years before the K-3 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the ZS3 matches up against the K-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS3 has outside measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS3 versus Pentax K-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the ZS3 vs the K-3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and K-3 is 91 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and K-3.

To sum up, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-3 will result in more detail using its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older ZS3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.