Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic ZS3 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries). Pentax K-r has external dimensions of 125 x 97 x 68 mm (4.92 x 3.82 x 2.68″) and weighs 598 g (1.32 lb / 21.09 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r. Panasonic ZS3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 22mm narrower, 37mm shorter and 35mm thinner than Pentax K-r. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic ZS3 has a built-in lens but Pentax K-r doesn't. Once you put a lens on K-r, its thickness will increase significantly.
![Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-r Camera Size Comparison - Front View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r.
![Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-r Camera Size Comparison - Back View]()
Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r Size and Weight - Back View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r.
![Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax K-r Camera Size Comparison - Top View]()
Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r Size
Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic ZS3 is significantly lighter (369g ) than the Pentax K-r which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on K-r, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Pentax K-r provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax K-r's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.