Pentax K-3 vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's take a more detailed look at the Pentax K-3 versus Zeiss ZX1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Zeiss. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the K-3 (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor size.

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The K-3 was introduced 5 years before the ZX1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the K-3 grades versus the ZX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-3 & Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-3 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-3 features outside measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has measurements of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Pentax K-3 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the K-3 versus the ZX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and ZX1 is 59 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the K-3 and ZX1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The K-3 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Zeiss ZX1 will resolve more detail using its extra 13 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older K-3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.