Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax K-3

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS45 versus Pentax K-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The ZS45 was released 10 months later than the K-3 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS45 scores versus the K-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 & Pentax K-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS45 features physical dimensions of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) while 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).

See the Panasonic ZS45 versus Pentax K-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the ZS45 versus the K-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS45 and K-3 is 91 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at technical specs. The graphic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS45 and K-3.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZS45 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax K-3 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more modern ZS45 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.