Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-5 II

Its time to examine more closely at the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-5 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and K-5 II (16MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and K-5 II (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS3 was unveiled 5 years before the K-5 II and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-5 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ZS3 matches up vs the K-5 II for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax K-5 II. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Pentax K-5 II Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS3 provides physical measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 II has measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-5 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the ZS3 versus the K-5 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS3 and K-5 II is 91 and 60 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over specs. The graphic here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS3 and K-5 II.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS3 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax K-5 II will offer you more detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older ZS3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.