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Panasonic G2 vs Pentax K-3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and the Pentax K-3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in March 2010 and October 2013. The G2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (G2) and an APS-C (K-3) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 24.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic G2
versus
Pentax K-3
Panasonic G2   Pentax K-3
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Micro Four Thirds lenses Pentax K mount lenses
12 MP – Four Thirds sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
720/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-6,400 ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.6 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
360 shots per battery charge560 shots per battery charge
124 x 84 x 74 mm, 428 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and the Pentax K-3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic G2 and the Pentax K-3 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, blue, red), while the K-3 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Panasonic G2 vs Pentax K-3
Compare G2 versus K-3 top
Comparison G2 or K-3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-3 is notably larger (26 percent) than the Panasonic G2. Moreover, the K-3 is substantially heavier (87 percent) than the G2. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 is splash and dust-proof, while the G2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the G2 gets 360 shots out of its DMW-BLB13 battery, while the K-3 can take 560 images on a single charge of its D-LI90 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 percent) than the K-3, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic G2 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Pentax K-3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 is 63 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.5. The sensor in the G2 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the K-3 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Panasonic G2 and Pentax K-3 sensor measures

With 24.1MP, the K-3 offers a higher resolution than the G2 (12MP), but the K-3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 4.33μm for the G2). Yet, the K-3 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 7 months) than the G2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G2 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

G2 versus K-3 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the K-3 offers substantially better image quality than the G2 (overall score 27 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 3.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
2.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
3.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
4.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
5.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
6.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
7.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
8.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
9.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
10.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
11.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
12.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
13.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
17.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the K-3 provides a better video resolution than the G2. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Panasonic is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G2 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the K-3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the G2 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.70x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic G2, the Pentax K-3, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
2.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G2 has a touchscreen, while the K-3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The G2 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the K-3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Pentax K-3 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G2 and the K-3 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G2 only has one slot. The K-3 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the G2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and Pentax K-3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the K-3 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The G2 lacks such a headphone port.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the G2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the G2 and the K-3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G2 was replaced by the Panasonic G3, while the K-3 was followed by the Pentax K-3 II. Further information on the features and operation of the G2 and K-3 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic G2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic G2 and the Pentax K-3? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.63x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x84mm vs 131x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 372g or 46 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (54 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in March 2010).

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Arguments in favor of the Pentax K-3:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.1 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 44%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (27 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.3 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60i vs 720/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 2.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (560 versus 360) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 7 months of technical progress since the G2 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 is the clear winner of the contest (24 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

G2 11:24 K-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic G2 and the Pentax K-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G2 or the K-3. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic G2 vs Pentax K-3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic G2 Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date March 2010 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Panasonic G2 Pentax K-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.33 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 5.34 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor Venus HD II PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 53 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.2 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 493 1216
    Screen Specs Panasonic G2 Pentax K-3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic G2 Pentax K-3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.6 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic G2 Pentax K-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Panasonic G2 Pentax K-3
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type DMW-BLB13 D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge560 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 84 x 74 mm
    (4.9 x 3.3 x 2.9 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 428 g (15.1 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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