Pentax K-3 vs Panasonic LX15
The Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 (labelled Panasonic LX10 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2013 and September 2016. The K-3 is a DSLR, while the LX15 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3) and an one-inch (LX15) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15? 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.
Body comparison
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic LX15. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic LX15 is considerably smaller (51 percent) than the Pentax K-3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the K-3 is splash and dust resistant, while the LX15 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LX15 has a lens built in, whereas the K-3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.
Concerning battery life, the K-3 gets 560 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the LX15 can take 260 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLH7 power pack. The power pack in the LX15 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Pentax K-3 | 131 mm | 100 mm | 77 mm | 800 g | 560 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
2. | Panasonic LX15 | 106 mm | 60 mm | 42 mm | 310 g | 260 | n | Sep 2016 | 699 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon G7 X Mark II | 106 mm | 61 mm | 42 mm | 319 g | 265 | n | Feb 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G5 X | 112 mm | 76 mm | 44 mm | 353 g | 210 | n | Oct 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D7100 | 136 mm | 107 mm | 76 mm | 765 g | 950 | Y | Feb 2013 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
6. | Panasonic TZ200 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 45 mm | 340 g | 370 | n | Feb 2018 | 799 | amazon.com | |
7. | Panasonic TZ90 | 112 mm | 67 mm | 41 mm | 322 g | 380 | n | Apr 2017 | 449 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic TZ100 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 44 mm | 312 g | 300 | n | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
9. | Pentax KP | 132 mm | 101 mm | 76 mm | 703 g | 390 | Y | Jan 2017 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
10. | Pentax K-70 | 126 mm | 93 mm | 74 mm | 688 g | 410 | Y | Jun 2016 | 649 | ebay.com | |
11. | Pentax K-S2 | 123 mm | 91 mm | 73 mm | 678 g | 410 | Y | Feb 2015 | 749 | ebay.com | |
12. | Pentax K-3 II | 131 mm | 100 mm | 77 mm | 800 g | 720 | Y | Apr 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
13. | Pentax K-S1 | 121 mm | 93 mm | 70 mm | 558 g | 410 | n | Aug 2014 | 749 | ebay.com | |
14. | Pentax K-50 | 130 mm | 97 mm | 71 mm | 650 g | 410 | Y | Jun 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
15. | Pentax K-5 II | 131 mm | 97 mm | 73 mm | 760 g | 740 | Y | Sep 2012 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
16. | Pentax K-5 | 131 mm | 97 mm | 73 mm | 760 g | 740 | Y | Sep 2010 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony A77 | 143 mm | 104 mm | 81 mm | 732 g | 470 | Y | Aug 2011 | 1,399 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The LX15 was launched at a lower price than the K-3, despite having a lens built in. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-3 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic LX15 an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the LX15 is 68 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.7. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2. The LX15 has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between multiple aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.
With 24.1MP, the K-3 offers a higher resolution than the LX15 (20MP), but the K-3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 2.41μm for the LX15) due to its larger sensor. However, the LX15 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 11 months) than the K-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 LX15 are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Pentax K-3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.
In terms of underlying technology, the K-3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the LX15 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Pentax K-3 | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.7 | 13.4 | 1216 | 80 | |
2. | Panasonic LX15 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 21.9 | 12.0 | 315 | 62 | |
3. | Canon G7 X Mark II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.8 | 11.9 | 260 | 62 | |
4. | Canon G5 X | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.4 | 12.3 | 471 | 62 | |
5. | Nikon D7100 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.2 | 13.7 | 1256 | 83 | |
6. | Panasonic TZ200 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.0 | 12.2 | 449 | 64 | |
7. | Panasonic TZ90 | 1/2.3 | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 19.1 | 10.6 | 106 | 36 | |
8. | Panasonic TZ100 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.8 | 12.5 | 559 | 70 | |
9. | Pentax KP | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1699 | 81 | |
10. | Pentax K-70 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.8 | 13.1 | 1639 | 80 | |
11. | Pentax K-S2 | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.9 | 1514 | 79 | |
12. | Pentax K-3 II | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/60i | 23.6 | 13.6 | 1106 | 80 | |
13. | Pentax K-S1 | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.5 | 13.0 | 1061 | 78 | |
14. | Pentax K-50 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 13.0 | 1120 | 79 | |
15. | Pentax K-5 II | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/25p | 23.8 | 14.1 | 1235 | 82 | |
16. | Pentax K-5 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/25p | 23.7 | 14.1 | 1162 | 82 | |
17. | Sony A77 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.0 | 13.2 | 801 | 78 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the LX15 provides a better video resolution than the K-3. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the K-3 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the LX15 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-3 and Panasonic LX15 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
# | 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. | Pentax K-3 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Panasonic LX15 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon G7 X Mark II | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 8.0/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon G5 X | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/2000s | 5.9/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Nikon D7100 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Panasonic TZ200 | 2330 | n | 3.0 / 1240 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Panasonic TZ90 | 1166 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Panasonic TZ100 | 1166 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Pentax KP | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/6000s | 7.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Pentax K-70 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/6000s | 6.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Pentax K-S2 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/6000s | 5.4/s | Y | Y | |
12. | Pentax K-3 II | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.3/s | n | Y | |
13. | Pentax K-S1 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/6000s | 5.4/s | Y | Y | |
14. | Pentax K-50 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/6000s | 6.0/s | Y | Y | |
15. | Pentax K-5 II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Pentax K-5 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Sony A77 | 2359 | Y | 3.0 / 921 | full-flex | n | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the K-3, but is missing on the LX15 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The LX15 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the K-3 does not have a selfie-screen.The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the LX15 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).
The Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic LX15 both have 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 K-3 and the LX15 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 LX15 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.
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 Pentax K-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Pentax K-3 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Panasonic LX15 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
3. | Canon G7 X Mark II | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon G5 X | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Nikon D7100 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Panasonic TZ200 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | Y | |
7. | Panasonic TZ90 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Panasonic TZ100 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Pentax KP | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | - | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
10. | Pentax K-70 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
11. | Pentax K-S2 | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
12. | Pentax K-3 II | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Pentax K-S1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Pentax K-50 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Pentax K-5 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Pentax K-5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Sony A77 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the K-3 has a hotshoe, while the LX15 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the LX15) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
The LX15 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the K-3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the K-3 was succeeded by the Pentax K-3 II. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 and LX15 can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic LX15 Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Pentax K-3 or the Panasonic LX15 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Advantages of the Pentax K-3:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.1 vs 20MP) with a 10% higher linear resolution.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
- Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
- 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.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (560 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
- 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.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2013).
Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
- More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
- Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the K-3 requires a separate lens.
- More compact: Is smaller (106x60mm vs 131x100mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the K-3).
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
- More modern: Reflects 2 years and 11 months of technical progress since the K-3 launch.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 15 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-3 and the Panasonic LX15 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the K-3 or the LX15. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Expert reviews
This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Pentax K-3 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
2. | Panasonic LX15 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2016 | 699 | amazon.com | |
3. | Canon G7 X Mark II | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon G5 X | 5/5 | + + | .. | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2015 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D7100 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2013 | 1,199 | ebay.com | |
6. | Panasonic TZ200 | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | 81/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2018 | 799 | amazon.com | |
7. | Panasonic TZ90 | .. | + + | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Apr 2017 | 449 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic TZ100 | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2016 | 699 | ebay.com | |
9. | Pentax KP | 4/5 | .. | 3/5 | 82/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
10. | Pentax K-70 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2016 | 649 | ebay.com | |
11. | Pentax K-S2 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 749 | ebay.com | |
12. | Pentax K-3 II | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | 5/5 | Apr 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
13. | Pentax K-S1 | 4/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2014 | 749 | ebay.com | |
14. | Pentax K-50 | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
15. | Pentax K-5 II | 5/5 | .. | .. | 80/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
16. | Pentax K-5 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2010 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony A77 | 5/5 | 91/100 | .. | 81/100 | .. | 5/5 | Aug 2011 | 1,399 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, 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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1D X Mark II vs Panasonic LX15
- Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Panasonic LX15
- Canon 60D vs Pentax K-3
- Canon G12 vs Panasonic LX15
- Canon R vs Pentax K-3
- Canon SX500 vs Pentax K-3
- Leica M9 vs Panasonic LX15
- Nikon D200 vs Pentax K-3
- Nikon D70 vs Panasonic LX15
- Olympus E-410 vs Pentax K-3
- Panasonic G10 vs Pentax K-3
- Panasonic LX15 vs Ricoh WG-6
Specifications: Pentax K-3 vs Panasonic LX15
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 Model | Pentax K-3 | Panasonic LX15 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | Pentax K mount lenses | 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 |
Launch Date | October 2013 | September 2016 |
Launch Price | USD 1,299 | USD 699 |
Sensor Specs | Pentax K-3 | Panasonic LX15 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | 1" Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 366.6 mm2 | 116.16 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.2 mm | 15.9 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 2.7x |
Sensor Resolution | 24.1 Megapixels | 20 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 6016 x 4000 pixels | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 3.90 μm | 2.41 μm |
Pixel Density | 6.56 MP/cm2 | 17.18 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60i Video | 4K/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 51,200 ISO | 125 - 12,800 ISO |
ISO Boost | no Enhancement | 80 - 25,600 ISO |
Image Processor | PRIME III | Venus |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 80 | .. |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.7 | .. |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.4 | .. |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 1216 | .. |
Screen Specs | Pentax K-3 | Panasonic LX15 |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | no viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.63x | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 1037k dots | 1040k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Pentax K-3 | Panasonic LX15 |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous Shooting | 8.3 shutter flaps/s | 10 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | no E-Shutter | up to 1/16000s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | In-body stabilization |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Pentax K-3 | Panasonic LX15 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | no Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | micro HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | no MIC socket |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Body Specs | Pentax K-3 | Panasonic LX15 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Pentax D-LI90 | Panasonic DMW-BLH7 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 560 shots per charge | 260 shots per charge |
In-Camera Charging | no USB charging | USB charging |
Body Dimensions |
131 x 100 x 77 mm (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in) |
106 x 60 x 42 mm (4.2 x 2.4 x 1.7 in) |
Camera Weight | 800 g (28.2 oz) | 310 g (10.9 oz) |
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